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Deck of Souls #1
Fateseal
Gods, demons, and heroes. Standard MMO fare—or so Cerys Collins thought.
As a long-time gamer and guild leader, Cerys has always wondered what it would be like to live in virtual reality. When her guild members convince her to try a new VRMMO, she discovers reality is far more complex than she knew.
Chosen by the gods of another world, Cerys finds herself trapped between warring factions: a tyrannical human empire and an oppressed kingdom of demons. When she discovers her best friend has been dragged into this new world as well, Cerys is forced to choose between saving her friend or looking at the bigger picture.
If Cerys is to be anything more than a pawn in the gods' game, she'll have to leverage everything she's learned on her home world and in past games, before it's too late.
With a cocky incubus king vying for more than her loyalty, her quest won’t be an easy one.
The Deck of Souls series contains some dark themes, profanity, violence, and adult relationships.
As a long-time gamer and guild leader, Cerys has always wondered what it would be like to live in virtual reality. When her guild members convince her to try a new VRMMO, she discovers reality is far more complex than she knew.
Chosen by the gods of another world, Cerys finds herself trapped between warring factions: a tyrannical human empire and an oppressed kingdom of demons. When she discovers her best friend has been dragged into this new world as well, Cerys is forced to choose between saving her friend or looking at the bigger picture.
If Cerys is to be anything more than a pawn in the gods' game, she'll have to leverage everything she's learned on her home world and in past games, before it's too late.
With a cocky incubus king vying for more than her loyalty, her quest won’t be an easy one.
The Deck of Souls series contains some dark themes, profanity, violence, and adult relationships.
596 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2018
139 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie L. Price
5 books40 followersBonnie L. Price was born in 1990 and has lived in several different states. At the age of twelve, while living in rural Upstate New York, she turned to writing as a way to entertain herself. Without internet or TV, there was little else to do during the long, cold winters.
What started as a way to amuse herself soon became a passion, and she’s been writing ever since.
When she's not writing, she can be found playing games, tinkering with Photoshop, or spoiling her dog.
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Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Song of the Depths: A Why Choose Science Fantasy Adventure is a work of fiction in the steamy romance, reverse harem and science fiction and fantasy sub-genres, and was penned by author Bonnie L. Price. The first book in the series of the same name, this work is intended for mature adult reading audiences due to the presence of explicit language, scenes of violence, and some harrowing topics such as slavery and assault. The work follows the characters through their exploration of different cultures, physicality, and social structure whilst also unveiling a wider, more sinister plot as the wicked Empire plots death to the Syldrari race.
Author Bonnie L. Price has crafted a truly unique and stylish work of science fiction which offers readers a well-balanced approach to both the romance plot and the wider, cyberpunk thriller arc of the plot. In the series opener, we find ourselves well established in the Creshe Empire and introduced to its brutal ways very early on, which elicits a great deal of sympathy for the characters as they struggle to break free of their respective chains and forge a life for themselves amid the stringent regime. One of the aspects which I really wanted to celebrate throughout the book was its commitment to diversity, which encourages the readership to open their minds to gender and body type in a whole new way through the science fiction genre. Overall, I would certainly recommend Song of the Depths to fans of paranormal reverse harem who also want plenty of plot in their stories.
What started as a way to amuse herself soon became a passion, and she’s been writing ever since.
When she's not writing, she can be found playing games, tinkering with Photoshop, or spoiling her dog.
---
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Song of the Depths: A Why Choose Science Fantasy Adventure is a work of fiction in the steamy romance, reverse harem and science fiction and fantasy sub-genres, and was penned by author Bonnie L. Price. The first book in the series of the same name, this work is intended for mature adult reading audiences due to the presence of explicit language, scenes of violence, and some harrowing topics such as slavery and assault. The work follows the characters through their exploration of different cultures, physicality, and social structure whilst also unveiling a wider, more sinister plot as the wicked Empire plots death to the Syldrari race.
Author Bonnie L. Price has crafted a truly unique and stylish work of science fiction which offers readers a well-balanced approach to both the romance plot and the wider, cyberpunk thriller arc of the plot. In the series opener, we find ourselves well established in the Creshe Empire and introduced to its brutal ways very early on, which elicits a great deal of sympathy for the characters as they struggle to break free of their respective chains and forge a life for themselves amid the stringent regime. One of the aspects which I really wanted to celebrate throughout the book was its commitment to diversity, which encourages the readership to open their minds to gender and body type in a whole new way through the science fiction genre. Overall, I would certainly recommend Song of the Depths to fans of paranormal reverse harem who also want plenty of plot in their stories.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 15, 2018
Amazing story!
I loved this book and I want more! This is litrpg without pesky numbers. The magic system is intuitive, the levels simplified into a mastery system. And there is no harem, just MF romance, a complicated one though.
I loved this book and I want more! This is litrpg without pesky numbers. The magic system is intuitive, the levels simplified into a mastery system. And there is no harem, just MF romance, a complicated one though.
January 4, 2019
Did not finish
I made it through the 25% mark before giving up, although I was sorely tempted to quit at around 9%. It’s garbage, and I want the time I wasted on it back.
Do yourself a favor and take a hard pass on this.
I made it through the 25% mark before giving up, although I was sorely tempted to quit at around 9%. It’s garbage, and I want the time I wasted on it back.
Do yourself a favor and take a hard pass on this.
Read
June 14, 2019DNF. I won't star a book I couldn't finish. I got to %27 and had to put it down.
I found the characters frustrating and confusing. There were so many times the main character would talk and voice her options or desires only to be ignored again and again. Then people would ask her to do something, and she would comply, despite it being against her wishes to do so. This constant disconnect between what the character voices as her will and her actions kept pulling me out of the story.
After giving the story three good attempts I shelved the book. I enjoyed the story when the main character wasn't having her will ignored, and the setting had some merit, if not somewhat hyperbolic in its villainy, but its forays into romance seemed at odds with the plot.
If you are a fan of the traditional romance formula, or have a high tolerance for irritating romantic interests, then you might find a rewarding read. For me, not my cup of tea, sorry.
I found the characters frustrating and confusing. There were so many times the main character would talk and voice her options or desires only to be ignored again and again. Then people would ask her to do something, and she would comply, despite it being against her wishes to do so. This constant disconnect between what the character voices as her will and her actions kept pulling me out of the story.
After giving the story three good attempts I shelved the book. I enjoyed the story when the main character wasn't having her will ignored, and the setting had some merit, if not somewhat hyperbolic in its villainy, but its forays into romance seemed at odds with the plot.
If you are a fan of the traditional romance formula, or have a high tolerance for irritating romantic interests, then you might find a rewarding read. For me, not my cup of tea, sorry.
December 22, 2018
Surprisingly good
I picked this book up after seeing an advertisement for it on royal road and as such I was only expecting something entertaining to pass a few hours with but after a mildly choppy start this book really took off. The plot was well done and the writing was technically impressive but what really sold me on this was how well done the characters and, more importantly, the character interactions were. I just got sucked into the world and couldn’t put it down. All in all a great read. 10/10 would read again.
I picked this book up after seeing an advertisement for it on royal road and as such I was only expecting something entertaining to pass a few hours with but after a mildly choppy start this book really took off. The plot was well done and the writing was technically impressive but what really sold me on this was how well done the characters and, more importantly, the character interactions were. I just got sucked into the world and couldn’t put it down. All in all a great read. 10/10 would read again.
December 24, 2018
LOVED this one! I'm going to point my romance friends at it when they ask what this Gamelit stuff I keep talking about is, as it straddles the genre lines so perfectly that I know they'll love it. Lovers of portal fantasy will also enjoy this. The game aspects and skill trees aren't intrusive, it's not a crunchy stats book, and all the better for it. The immersion is great!
dnf
July 10, 202013 hours and 6 mins left
I am setting this one aside for now. The bickering/ banter style between the two main characters seriously started to annoy me, as they keep going over the same topic again and again and again, so I think I need a break from this one. I just hope the story goes back to the demon world soon.
I like the story so far, although it's very slow paced, but based on the one other book I've read by the author I expected that. The part in the human world just isn't as interesting to me as it's mostly the two main character bickering with each other, some interesting parts, but the story isn't moving enough for my taste. The narration is really well done. This is the first time I am listening to an audiobook with multiple narrators and it works really well, a few times the switch form one to another doesn't quite go smoothly, but for the most parts it's really well done and it sounds like they're talking to one another.
I am setting this one aside for now. The bickering/ banter style between the two main characters seriously started to annoy me, as they keep going over the same topic again and again and again, so I think I need a break from this one. I just hope the story goes back to the demon world soon.
I like the story so far, although it's very slow paced, but based on the one other book I've read by the author I expected that. The part in the human world just isn't as interesting to me as it's mostly the two main character bickering with each other, some interesting parts, but the story isn't moving enough for my taste. The narration is really well done. This is the first time I am listening to an audiobook with multiple narrators and it works really well, a few times the switch form one to another doesn't quite go smoothly, but for the most parts it's really well done and it sounds like they're talking to one another.
February 12, 2019
I read this 733 page book in a day, and it was worth losing sleep over. It had complex main characters, compelling romance, and intricate, interesting world building. It was funny, and very entertaining, with well done pacing and explanations. It ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I hope it's not too long before book two. Cerys and Idris are cute together. I did have a small bit of confusion with
December 17, 2018
Loved it!!
Such a different spin on the typical little book. The characters draw one in well and there is plenty to keep you occupied and guessing. Very much look forward to the next!!!
Such a different spin on the typical little book. The characters draw one in well and there is plenty to keep you occupied and guessing. Very much look forward to the next!!!
February 6, 2019
Wow!
The level of detail in this book is amazing! As a gamer the storyline is intriguing, however non-gamers will be able to grasp references as well. You will struggle to stop reading.
The level of detail in this book is amazing! As a gamer the storyline is intriguing, however non-gamers will be able to grasp references as well. You will struggle to stop reading.
June 29, 2019
I got to about 50 % and then I just started skipping and skim listening, at 60 % I gave up on listening to it. It was just too erratic and unfocused the characters personalities didn't seem very consistent either and would shift from 1 extreme to another way too fast. Let's talk about the world building or should I say lack of world building? Because there is just about 0% world building in this book. You get dumped into a book get no back ground info or character information at first and have no clue why you should care. After a while it seems pretty decent but then the romance part that just messes with the entire thing starts again. There is no real emphasis on plot and everything just moves along in a pretty dull fashion. I warn you if you think you'll find a rich or interesting world with cool and unique characters that will not be the case.
This book honestly jumps around so much from 1 thing to the other. You would think you had missed the start of the series and where instead starting in the middle, on say book 6 or something. But even then it doesn't hold up because the author doesn't make you invested in the characters they are just very 2 dimensional and it's a lot of angst for no real reason.
This book honestly jumps around so much from 1 thing to the other. You would think you had missed the start of the series and where instead starting in the middle, on say book 6 or something. But even then it doesn't hold up because the author doesn't make you invested in the characters they are just very 2 dimensional and it's a lot of angst for no real reason.
June 13, 2021
I don't care if this book suddenly becomes golden at the midpoint, having to pass several hours reading about a xenophobic empire that use the threat of sexual slavery to the champion's family/friends so that the champions become "sows " its just... no. It is a mallet to the face on the idea of litrpg, using a wooden puppet who is not even surprised at the existence of gods, of other worlds, at becoming a champion and who the second after returning to this world, her instinct is to Wikipedia the best information and keep quiet to everybody about being abducted by divinity because... reasons. Her only personality is "badass female #8" with a crossing of the arms and snark as a side form. Also, I "loved" how the first human he deals with is a fat rapist noble. Keep it golden. guh.
I hope that the view we got of the Empire and their persuasion is a front by the demon gods, because otherwise is one of the most idiotic schemes I had ever read, and the fact that 40 champions chose that its just terrible. Just terrible.
No idea what type of romance can be born from this presentation, but I don't want it.
I hope that the view we got of the Empire and their persuasion is a front by the demon gods, because otherwise is one of the most idiotic schemes I had ever read, and the fact that 40 champions chose that its just terrible. Just terrible.
No idea what type of romance can be born from this presentation, but I don't want it.
January 18, 2019
Leaps like it’s the ninth book in a series
Ridiculous jumps in background character information and world information without prior explanation. It’s like they just wanted to string a bunch of romantic dialogue together. Great choice in having a female lead, and the beginning of some interesting magic systems.
Ridiculous jumps in background character information and world information without prior explanation. It’s like they just wanted to string a bunch of romantic dialogue together. Great choice in having a female lead, and the beginning of some interesting magic systems.
March 6, 2022
By far one of my new favorite books and I CANNOT wait till the second one comes out!!!!!
May 4, 2023
Objectively, it's an alright book, your subjective liking of it will depend highly on your personal tastes and priorities.
The good: The story itself is interesting, has a novel twist on the typical Stuck-in-an-MMO trope with its writing being mostly clear and well flowing. It has a variety of settings, from modern with Sci-Fi elements, to fantasy-medieval, it shows even untypical "medieval" settings, outside of the cliche "inside a castle", "in the forest", "in a dungeon" etc. It has lots of different characters, a hint of (guild) politics, moral conundrums and overall points of interest.
I can understand the criticism I see on here, however. Since, while all the above positive points are set in place, they are barely explored. A very surface level endeavour into all of them, indeed, I imagine that this is why many people feel some sort of a whiplash, reading this. Should you expect some deep, all encompassing world building and/or character exploration, you will not get that here.
Instead, the entertainment value of this book lies in its banter, the frequent (but not too quickly) changing setting, the topics that are lightly explored, but mostly left for you to judge and interpret.
It is not a bad book, id say its even a decent one, but.. it feels not inspired or exhausted by the medium of books. It is more of a.. fanfiction maybe.
A well written, very lengthy fanfiction, but which depths lies in the creators fantasy and head, not fully brought across by words only.
However, if you have similar fantasies, this will likely satisfy you fully, as you'll be able to colour in anything a more traditional fantasy reader will expect being fully established and explored.
In my opinion, this book works like a springboard for ideas, or like a surfboard, that can be used to ride the waves, having had an fun, quick adventure with a lot of swirls, leaving the reader excited for the next trip.
It is NOT a Tolkien style snorkeling exploration that seeks to fully encompass the reader in the waters of world building and slowly show them the reefs of deep, convoluted plot, leaving them to explore and discover.
The good: The story itself is interesting, has a novel twist on the typical Stuck-in-an-MMO trope with its writing being mostly clear and well flowing. It has a variety of settings, from modern with Sci-Fi elements, to fantasy-medieval, it shows even untypical "medieval" settings, outside of the cliche "inside a castle", "in the forest", "in a dungeon" etc. It has lots of different characters, a hint of (guild) politics, moral conundrums and overall points of interest.
I can understand the criticism I see on here, however. Since, while all the above positive points are set in place, they are barely explored. A very surface level endeavour into all of them, indeed, I imagine that this is why many people feel some sort of a whiplash, reading this. Should you expect some deep, all encompassing world building and/or character exploration, you will not get that here.
Instead, the entertainment value of this book lies in its banter, the frequent (but not too quickly) changing setting, the topics that are lightly explored, but mostly left for you to judge and interpret.
It is not a bad book, id say its even a decent one, but.. it feels not inspired or exhausted by the medium of books. It is more of a.. fanfiction maybe.
A well written, very lengthy fanfiction, but which depths lies in the creators fantasy and head, not fully brought across by words only.
However, if you have similar fantasies, this will likely satisfy you fully, as you'll be able to colour in anything a more traditional fantasy reader will expect being fully established and explored.
In my opinion, this book works like a springboard for ideas, or like a surfboard, that can be used to ride the waves, having had an fun, quick adventure with a lot of swirls, leaving the reader excited for the next trip.
It is NOT a Tolkien style snorkeling exploration that seeks to fully encompass the reader in the waters of world building and slowly show them the reefs of deep, convoluted plot, leaving them to explore and discover.
August 4, 2019
I loved it! Great characters and great story. Once I finished Fateseal I tried moving on to another book, but I had the feels so bad I had to stop after 2 or 3 chapter and read Fateseal again. The story is bigger than just the romantic aspect, which is great for keeping it interesting. The female lead is powerful, but not in an over the top way, intelligent, confident, playful, sexy, and easy to relate to. The male lead is that awesome blend of strong, playful, confident, sexy, open, and sensitive. Unlike many romance novels, the conflict/tension between the two characters doesn’t revolve around a petty misunderstanding that the author beats to death before finally allowing the relationship to blossom. I can’t wait for book 2!
January 12, 2019
Amazing
I really enjoyed this book. It is hard to find a book in the perspective of a woman in this genre and especially I game book without a hero forming. This book has Romance (without it being sappy), action, a diverse world and strong character development/ interaction.
I really enjoyed this book. It is hard to find a book in the perspective of a woman in this genre and especially I game book without a hero forming. This book has Romance (without it being sappy), action, a diverse world and strong character development/ interaction.
February 17, 2019
Great Read
Loved the female lead, Cerys is strong and logical which is an incredible change of pace for a book with romance.
All the characters interested me for that matter and I'm excited to see the progression for each one.
Loved the female lead, Cerys is strong and logical which is an incredible change of pace for a book with romance.
All the characters interested me for that matter and I'm excited to see the progression for each one.
January 16, 2019
Very Enjoyable
This book was definitely a very enjoyable read with some great characters. I am very much looking forward to reading book number two.
This book was definitely a very enjoyable read with some great characters. I am very much looking forward to reading book number two.
July 20, 2023
Loved it, well worth the read. Can’t wait for more!
Read
December 31, 2018Interesting portal fantasy with strong romance themes and elements of LitRPG.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews