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Yliaster Crystal #2
Hunter's Soul
One Alchemist. One Trapped Soul. And Heaps of Trouble
I’m Lou Vitalis, dragon-robber, mobster-killer, end-of-the-world-preventer. Big titles, and it’s hard to fit them on a business card, so most people just know me as “that weird alchemist down the street.” And I’ve got some problems.
There’s this angry soul that occasionally takes over my body. Maybe I could have handled that, but Pandora’s Box is slowly opening in my apartment. Also, an Inkslinger is trying to kill me. Yeah, when it rains, it pours. In my case, it pours hail and frogs.
Somehow, it’s all connected to my past. Or rather, to my parents’ past, and to the day they died. I’ll have to dredge up some old memories to figure this out, and I’ll have to do it fast. Because my parents’ murderer is after me now.
I’m Lou Vitalis, dragon-robber, mobster-killer, end-of-the-world-preventer. Big titles, and it’s hard to fit them on a business card, so most people just know me as “that weird alchemist down the street.” And I’ve got some problems.
There’s this angry soul that occasionally takes over my body. Maybe I could have handled that, but Pandora’s Box is slowly opening in my apartment. Also, an Inkslinger is trying to kill me. Yeah, when it rains, it pours. In my case, it pours hail and frogs.
Somehow, it’s all connected to my past. Or rather, to my parents’ past, and to the day they died. I’ll have to dredge up some old memories to figure this out, and I’ll have to do it fast. Because my parents’ murderer is after me now.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2018
142 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Alex Rivers
245 books204 followersAlex Rivers is the co-author of the Dark Fae FBI Series. In the past, he's been a journalist, a game developer, and the CEO of the company Loadingames. He is married to a woman who diligently forces him to live his dream, and is the father of an angel, a pixie, and a gremlin. He has two voracious hounds that wag their tail quite menacingly at anyone who comes near his home.
Alex has been imagining himself fighting demons and vampires since forever. Writing about it is even better, because he doesn't get bitten, or tormented in hell, or even just muddy. In fact, he does it in his slippers.
Alex also writes crime thrillers under the pen name Mike Omer.
You can contact Alex by sending him an email to alex@strangerealm.com
Alex has been imagining himself fighting demons and vampires since forever. Writing about it is even better, because he doesn't get bitten, or tormented in hell, or even just muddy. In fact, he does it in his slippers.
Alex also writes crime thrillers under the pen name Mike Omer.
You can contact Alex by sending him an email to alex@strangerealm.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 23, 2018
This is the second book in this series and was even better than the first one! Lou is back and this time the focus is on the Yliaster Crystal itself, which is hidden away, but has many secrets to reveal!
When Lou tries to work out the crystal, strange things happen to her and she wakes up, finding herself in odd places doing odd things, but she feels compelled to use the crystal to find out more, but will the soul inside take over? Someone else also wants the crystal, not for the soul inside though, but for what it could do for them. This person and the soul are, however, linked and Lou needs to find out who and what is going on and fast, before they get to her and the crystal! Luckily for Lou, she has her friends and Kane to help her out here!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next installment in this series. The characters are great and I love Lou's use of magic. I still feel for her where her daughter is concerned, but am really happy to see that her friendships are becoming stronger once again. I do hope Kane and Lou will grow into something soon as well.
The plot really hooked me in this time and moved as a great pace, but with enough background information to reveal what was happening, but not too much that it felt like a history lesson.
Thank you to the author Alex Rivers for sending me an ARC for this book!
When Lou tries to work out the crystal, strange things happen to her and she wakes up, finding herself in odd places doing odd things, but she feels compelled to use the crystal to find out more, but will the soul inside take over? Someone else also wants the crystal, not for the soul inside though, but for what it could do for them. This person and the soul are, however, linked and Lou needs to find out who and what is going on and fast, before they get to her and the crystal! Luckily for Lou, she has her friends and Kane to help her out here!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next installment in this series. The characters are great and I love Lou's use of magic. I still feel for her where her daughter is concerned, but am really happy to see that her friendships are becoming stronger once again. I do hope Kane and Lou will grow into something soon as well.
The plot really hooked me in this time and moved as a great pace, but with enough background information to reveal what was happening, but not too much that it felt like a history lesson.
Thank you to the author Alex Rivers for sending me an ARC for this book!
May 30, 2018
This is the second book in this series, and I am still impressed with this author’s storytelling. I really liked the first book, but I do have to admit this one was a little different than the first one. Not in a bad way; this one just seemed a little less dark. It was still very well-written, and I loved the plot. It was nice to see how Lou’s parents…well, I don’t want to say too much and give away spoilers, but I will say I quite enjoyed the revelations and the road to those revelations. I do wish we has seen a little bit more of Kane in this one, but considering how this one ended, I think we’ll see more of him in the third book. It is just so sad, though, about her daughter. Nothing really changed since the last book, and this isn’t a spoiler, but I hate that Lou is so sad over her daughter. Anyway, I can’t wait to read the next book! If you love urban fantasy, give this book a try! Highly recommend! I was provided a complimentary copy of the e-book which I reviewed voluntarily.
June 2, 2018
Still recuperating from everything that went down (or south) in the previous book, Lou Vitalis, our beloved alchemist, decided it was time to give the Yliaster Crystal a closer look. Aaaaaaaaaaaand then everything went to hell... again. Not only is the soul within the crystal forcing its memories onto Lou, taking her places without her knowing it, it also pointed to her parents death. And as it seems... it wasn't an accident, they were murdered.
Now Lou needs to find the killer before he or she gets away with both the crystal and Pandora's box, which by the way... isn't completely sealed and is leaking monsters!!! Yeah... let's just fix a potion for that one shall we?
My take on the book:
Wow, it was pretty much completely different than the first book, but damn it was good!
World building was good, we stayed in the neighbourhood this instalment, but the author really knows how to describe the environment, the scenes, the setting very well.
Character development was equally good, we got a lot more info about Lou's past, her parents, their friends, ... We even got to spend some more time with our lovely Kane who's slip up will haunt every reader till the next book I'm sure!!! ;) Not as much on the Isabel and Sinead front this time, but as always, great friends stick together and pick up the pieces of a shattered life and broken trust, cause they know they are each others family.
Pacing and flow of the book were excellent! Poor Lou was in the thick of it for most of the story, seemingly only able to fall asleep where Kane was (so cute). But yeah, fast paced, a lot happening, kept you well in its clutches till the end.
The book was excellently written, I've found no (noticeable) errors and (if it's important for you) there isn't any sex in the book (described or otherwise).
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and I was thoroughly enjoying myself :D
Alex writes with a certain sense of humor that I appreciate very much... an example 'If dog pee was the canine version of social media posts, these stains were apparently the equivalent of some mind-blowing tweets. After a long session of sniffing, he would lift his leg, and dribble a few drops on each stain. Probably a retweet of some sort'.
The plot thickens and apparently Lou is in the middle of it. A new enemy has been revealed and the gang has gotten closer (alas not that close... yet *glares at Kane*) together. Sooooo looking forward to the next instalment.
Oh and remember kids... don't drink Troll grog or well.. large amounts of the strongest coffee Starbucks have available :D
Now Lou needs to find the killer before he or she gets away with both the crystal and Pandora's box, which by the way... isn't completely sealed and is leaking monsters!!! Yeah... let's just fix a potion for that one shall we?
My take on the book:
Wow, it was pretty much completely different than the first book, but damn it was good!
World building was good, we stayed in the neighbourhood this instalment, but the author really knows how to describe the environment, the scenes, the setting very well.
Character development was equally good, we got a lot more info about Lou's past, her parents, their friends, ... We even got to spend some more time with our lovely Kane who's slip up will haunt every reader till the next book I'm sure!!! ;) Not as much on the Isabel and Sinead front this time, but as always, great friends stick together and pick up the pieces of a shattered life and broken trust, cause they know they are each others family.
Pacing and flow of the book were excellent! Poor Lou was in the thick of it for most of the story, seemingly only able to fall asleep where Kane was (so cute). But yeah, fast paced, a lot happening, kept you well in its clutches till the end.
The book was excellently written, I've found no (noticeable) errors and (if it's important for you) there isn't any sex in the book (described or otherwise).
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and I was thoroughly enjoying myself :D
Alex writes with a certain sense of humor that I appreciate very much... an example 'If dog pee was the canine version of social media posts, these stains were apparently the equivalent of some mind-blowing tweets. After a long session of sniffing, he would lift his leg, and dribble a few drops on each stain. Probably a retweet of some sort'.
The plot thickens and apparently Lou is in the middle of it. A new enemy has been revealed and the gang has gotten closer (alas not that close... yet *glares at Kane*) together. Sooooo looking forward to the next instalment.
Oh and remember kids... don't drink Troll grog or well.. large amounts of the strongest coffee Starbucks have available :D
June 28, 2018
Lou and her crew have stolen the Yliaster Crystal and Pandora's box from a dragon and now as Lou struggles with the aftermath which includes her feelings for Kane, owing Maximilian Blood potions, missing her daughter and the betrayal of Isabel she must figure out a way to use the Yliaster crystal to help Kane rescue his sister's soul. Like all things in her life, this becomes way more complicated when she makes contact with the soul already trapped in the crystal. Who is this person? How did they get there and most surprisingly, what connection is all of this to the death of her parents 15 years ago??
The first book in the series was a straight up "heist" story UF style and it was incredible. How could Alex Rivers possibly follow that up? With a kick butt "who Dun it" story...UF style! We get to learn a lot about Lou's past, especially when it comes to her parents and her mother more specifically. We learn that their deaths are not as clear cut as everyone believed and that Pandora's Box and the Yliaster Crystal were always means to end up in Lou's possession.
In the first book Alex found a way to make me afraid of shadows (they were sooooo creepy) and he's ratcheted it up here in the installment when Lou and Kane find out that there is still an Inkslinger still in existence as they trip his trap and meet an Ink Golem. Just imagine...a sorcerer who can make ink from anything turn into a monster that can smother you. Freaky!!!! Who is the Inkslinger and what's he after? The box and crystal of course!
There is a lot of great action in this book and a great story. This series is quickly becoming my favorite. I love this characters, especially Kane and Sinead! I've already asked Mr Rivers (more like begged) him to do a spin off series for Sinead because she's awesome. Some more Kane adventures from before we meet him would be awesome too.
The only way to go wrong with this series is to not read it...so just read it already!
The first book in the series was a straight up "heist" story UF style and it was incredible. How could Alex Rivers possibly follow that up? With a kick butt "who Dun it" story...UF style! We get to learn a lot about Lou's past, especially when it comes to her parents and her mother more specifically. We learn that their deaths are not as clear cut as everyone believed and that Pandora's Box and the Yliaster Crystal were always means to end up in Lou's possession.
In the first book Alex found a way to make me afraid of shadows (they were sooooo creepy) and he's ratcheted it up here in the installment when Lou and Kane find out that there is still an Inkslinger still in existence as they trip his trap and meet an Ink Golem. Just imagine...a sorcerer who can make ink from anything turn into a monster that can smother you. Freaky!!!! Who is the Inkslinger and what's he after? The box and crystal of course!
There is a lot of great action in this book and a great story. This series is quickly becoming my favorite. I love this characters, especially Kane and Sinead! I've already asked Mr Rivers (more like begged) him to do a spin off series for Sinead because she's awesome. Some more Kane adventures from before we meet him would be awesome too.
The only way to go wrong with this series is to not read it...so just read it already!
November 8, 2019
I'm quite enjoying this series!
The main character is realistic, with flaws and good intentions (at least half the time, anyway, and who would be able to resist bad intentions toward people who want to hunt hippos with crossbows?!). Her relationships are complicated and engaging, her abilities rely heavily on intelligent usage instead of raw power, and she grows and progresses--she's the opposite of a flat and stagnant character.I
The magic in this world is varied and complex--it's intriguing and consistently logical. I love this author's take on magic being 'hidden'-- yes, people would definitely cling to a blindingly stubborn insistence that there must be a non-magical explanation! I adore this author's takes on alchemists, vampires, and seers. Alchemist potions to make a vampire's "donar's" blood taste better? I loved that so much!
So I'm hooked. This series has become insta-buy for me. I'm hoping to see her become an innovator like her mother and not rely so heavily on her recipe book, and I'm very much looking forward to her solving her mage boyfriend's dilemma and restoring his sister's soul to her. And then the sex!
The main character is realistic, with flaws and good intentions (at least half the time, anyway, and who would be able to resist bad intentions toward people who want to hunt hippos with crossbows?!). Her relationships are complicated and engaging, her abilities rely heavily on intelligent usage instead of raw power, and she grows and progresses--she's the opposite of a flat and stagnant character.I
The magic in this world is varied and complex--it's intriguing and consistently logical. I love this author's take on magic being 'hidden'-- yes, people would definitely cling to a blindingly stubborn insistence that there must be a non-magical explanation! I adore this author's takes on alchemists, vampires, and seers. Alchemist potions to make a vampire's "donar's" blood taste better? I loved that so much!
So I'm hooked. This series has become insta-buy for me. I'm hoping to see her become an innovator like her mother and not rely so heavily on her recipe book, and I'm very much looking forward to her solving her mage boyfriend's dilemma and restoring his sister's soul to her. And then the sex!
August 9, 2020
While I give this book the same rating as book 1, this one held my interest somewhat less than Stolen Soul. It was still a good book, if a bit meandering - it wasn't clear what the actual plot was for about half of it, but enough stuff related to book 1 happened to hold my interest.
I did enjoy the hints of everyday life we got to experience. Lou selling stuff to her customers and struggling to keep producing what is demanded of her. While I understand it can't be a big part of books, it is something I often miss in stories. How a character deals with everyday situations say a lot about them, and I think it's an important part of the character-development process - and a great way for the reader to get to know them.
My only problem now is that book 3 isn't available in audio yet! I know it is out on kindle, but I'm still having trouble reading, so guess I'll just have to wait!
I did enjoy the hints of everyday life we got to experience. Lou selling stuff to her customers and struggling to keep producing what is demanded of her. While I understand it can't be a big part of books, it is something I often miss in stories. How a character deals with everyday situations say a lot about them, and I think it's an important part of the character-development process - and a great way for the reader to get to know them.
My only problem now is that book 3 isn't available in audio yet! I know it is out on kindle, but I'm still having trouble reading, so guess I'll just have to wait!
June 3, 2018
This series is simply amazing, from the refreshing new characters, with there innovative gifts such as alchemy, psychic, tarot reading, tea leaf gazing, to our old favourites vampires, sorcerers and dragon. When you sprinkle some magic and romance on it you are left with a truly amazing book you won’t put down. I found the story gripping right from the first page of book one stolen sole, and if anything it is only picking up momentum in book two Hunters soul. It is packed with action where you hold your breath and humour where you try not to laugh out loud, truly truly excellent I can’t wait for book 3.
August 20, 2018
Still loving this series!
We get better acquainted with the characters and learn more about their collective pasts. I don’t like to give a synopsis, so you’ll have to read the books, but I am happy I started & recommend this series and author to all my friends. The story has all the important ingredients that I enjoy in a book: humor, adventure, a little loving & affection, good friends that help our character along, a story line that I can appreciate! Yeah, I recommend this series!
We get better acquainted with the characters and learn more about their collective pasts. I don’t like to give a synopsis, so you’ll have to read the books, but I am happy I started & recommend this series and author to all my friends. The story has all the important ingredients that I enjoy in a book: humor, adventure, a little loving & affection, good friends that help our character along, a story line that I can appreciate! Yeah, I recommend this series!
September 2, 2020
Fantastic read from start to finish
I have quickly fallen in love with this author, primarily being an urban fantasy fan, with kindle unlimited access. This series has a great pace, amazing character development, and a premise unlike any I’ve stumbled upon. I haven’t been this excited to read the next book in a series in a long time, and it’s interesting beyond the slow burn romance! I love that each book stands alone without requiring you to read the next, but why wouldn’t you?!
I have quickly fallen in love with this author, primarily being an urban fantasy fan, with kindle unlimited access. This series has a great pace, amazing character development, and a premise unlike any I’ve stumbled upon. I haven’t been this excited to read the next book in a series in a long time, and it’s interesting beyond the slow burn romance! I love that each book stands alone without requiring you to read the next, but why wouldn’t you?!
June 1, 2018
Wow
I stumbled into this series by accident not too long ago. I've read enough and seen enough that most plots I can guess before the reveal.
This series had me baffled as heck. It is innovative, new, well paced, good slow burn romance, PLAUSABLE, and fun. I've found myself unable to put it down, and now I want the NEXT book immediately.
Guess I'll have to find something else to read.
I stumbled into this series by accident not too long ago. I've read enough and seen enough that most plots I can guess before the reveal.
This series had me baffled as heck. It is innovative, new, well paced, good slow burn romance, PLAUSABLE, and fun. I've found myself unable to put it down, and now I want the NEXT book immediately.
Guess I'll have to find something else to read.
June 6, 2018
Even better than the first!
In this book Lou and her friends find out more about the Yliaster Crystal and in the process discover some of her past. Lou is as sassy as ever. I really love her attitude. Lou seems to find trouble wherever she goes and Kane her protection and back up. Isabel and Sinead are well written secondary characters. I was fully immersed in the story. I stayed up late and finished it. I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
In this book Lou and her friends find out more about the Yliaster Crystal and in the process discover some of her past. Lou is as sassy as ever. I really love her attitude. Lou seems to find trouble wherever she goes and Kane her protection and back up. Isabel and Sinead are well written secondary characters. I was fully immersed in the story. I stayed up late and finished it. I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
August 3, 2021
I thought this was good but was a bit confused while reading this, but I just discovered that I accidentally read book three first and then this one. So essentially a few things were unwound and I didn't misunderstand parts from the resolution of Soul Unchanged, they just haven't happened yet. Still even with being off balance this was a decent adventure and now I can go back to the actual beginning in Soul Bound and find out about the heist referenced in books 2 and 3
May 29, 2018
This series is so amazing. I love it. It’s got all the hallmarks of the paranormal but so much more intriguing. It keeps you on your toes and I could not put it down. Loved every second!! I laughed, I cried and everything in between. A definite must read!! It’s ALMOST unexpected in the way it just grabs you and it’s over before you know it. I need more!!
May 31, 2018
really enjoyed it. continues from where the second book left off and had me pulled into the story as if Id never left. So much is happening and I could not put the book down. can not wait for the next book to come out to find out what will happen next.
May 31, 2018
FANFREAKINGTASTIC!!
I absolutely love this series!! Awesome characters, well written, hilarious, and has a good plot with plenty of action. I can't wait for the next book. A must read!
I absolutely love this series!! Awesome characters, well written, hilarious, and has a good plot with plenty of action. I can't wait for the next book. A must read!
June 1, 2018
A fantastic follow up! I enjoyed getting to know these amazing characters a little more in this book, and I’m eager to find out how their situations will get solved. Good writing, characters and overall storyline. Enjoyed it immensely!
June 1, 2018
Excellent second book
A lot of the time, second books slow down and are used to bridge to book three. I didn't find that here. There is excellent pacing and snappy dialogue along with a truly horrifying monster. I will leave it to you to figure out exactly who or what that is.
A lot of the time, second books slow down and are used to bridge to book three. I didn't find that here. There is excellent pacing and snappy dialogue along with a truly horrifying monster. I will leave it to you to figure out exactly who or what that is.
June 4, 2018
Fabulous adventures and fun
I cannot get enough of these characters. Parts of the story were so hilarious! I could not put this book down! Cannot wait for the next one! Very original magical scenes.
I cannot get enough of these characters. Parts of the story were so hilarious! I could not put this book down! Cannot wait for the next one! Very original magical scenes.
June 5, 2018
Charming, funny and action-packed!
This sequel shines! I love the way the author developed the characters in this book. He really charms you with their stories while keeping you entertained with the snarky humor and nail-biting, edge-of-you-seat action.
This sequel shines! I love the way the author developed the characters in this book. He really charms you with their stories while keeping you entertained with the snarky humor and nail-biting, edge-of-you-seat action.
July 28, 2018
If wishes were fishes. I wish the book were longer and the world more drawn out. It seems hurried and that’s a shame because the author has real talent in writing a witty, strong heroine. She is laugh-out-loud funny. I really enjoy these books and just wish they were a bit more detailed and deeper.
August 25, 2019
Nice
Urban fantasy that moves the metaplot along nicely, tying into events from book 1 while creating drama and intrigue for future books in the series. Well rounded, nicely written and funny enough to keep you chortling.
Urban fantasy that moves the metaplot along nicely, tying into events from book 1 while creating drama and intrigue for future books in the series. Well rounded, nicely written and funny enough to keep you chortling.
January 15, 2020
Really a clever series, with a clever heroine and a strong supporting cast. I'm enjoying the alchemy superpower - it's a great change of pace, and it is fun to see Lou need to figure something out when she's not happily in her lab.
January 24, 2021
Excellent
This book kept me on my toes trying to figure out what would happen next. Very fast paced. Incredible story. Well written. Look forward to getting to know these characters better.
This book kept me on my toes trying to figure out what would happen next. Very fast paced. Incredible story. Well written. Look forward to getting to know these characters better.
June 4, 2018
Awesome read
Very well written! Loved it! Been awhile since I have found a good read. Cannot wait for another book to come out.
Very well written! Loved it! Been awhile since I have found a good read. Cannot wait for another book to come out.
June 5, 2018
Good
I enjoyed this book. It was as good as, or better than the first. I really like the humor. Look forward to more.
I enjoyed this book. It was as good as, or better than the first. I really like the humor. Look forward to more.
June 8, 2018
Good series, great UF! 4.25 stars!
July 20, 2018
Awesome read!!
Loved the plot twists, the originality, the imagery, the characters! I read nonstop and finished in a few hours. Cannot wait for the best one!!
Loved the plot twists, the originality, the imagery, the characters! I read nonstop and finished in a few hours. Cannot wait for the best one!!
July 23, 2018
A must read series
I love reading these books very interesting story line. The characters capture you with their sincerity and depth. I laughed so many times throughout this book.
I love reading these books very interesting story line. The characters capture you with their sincerity and depth. I laughed so many times throughout this book.
July 31, 2018
Great series!
Really enjoying this series. Hope there are lots more to come. Can you please write faster! Looking forward to more!
Really enjoying this series. Hope there are lots more to come. Can you please write faster! Looking forward to more!
May 9, 2020
Better and better
Each book just keeps getting better and better. I love Lou. I feel awful for her at times but she is so amazingly strong. Waiting for that romance to pan out!!!
Each book just keeps getting better and better. I love Lou. I feel awful for her at times but she is so amazingly strong. Waiting for that romance to pan out!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews