The Secret of the Hold, Book Two of the Soultrekker Chronicles

by Mary E. Calvert

In Book Two of The Soultrekker Chronicles, Margaret Ann Shepherd, still under hypnosis with therapist Dr. Susan Renfroe, continues recounting memories of the night she lived an entire other life as the elven maiden, Arwyn, in the beautiful but troubled land of Bensor. A perilous journey smuggling fugitive dwarves leads Arwyn to the enchanting realm of the elves, where a lukewarm reception by the elven lord, Valdir Velconium, a man plagued with secrets from his past, makes her wonder if she will ever find the place she truly belongs. Yet an unexpected meeting with an intriguing stranger challenges her resolve to aid the Alliance in its upcoming rebellion against the dictator, Draigon, forcing her to choose between two men who seek to win her heart. It is a choice between love and duty that could ultimately destroy Arwyn when Draigon springs a trap of his own. Or, it could force Arwyn to do the unthinkable.

Jeff LaFerney, author of the award-winning Jumper and the Clay and Tanner Thomas series, says:

"The Secret of the Hold is a must-read, follow-up fantasy with an incredible, emotional plot and a stunning ending that'll leave you wanting more."

392 pages, Paperback

First published January 10, 2019

About the author

Mary E. Calvert is a stay-at-home mom who enjoys endless days of eating bon-bons and watching Hallmark movies, that is, when she’s not being cook, maid, chauffeur and counselor to three boys and balancing a burgeoning writing career that has just taken off with the publication of her debut novel. Inspired by The Lord of the Rings and the Chronicles of Narnia, her Soultrekker Chronicles trilogy is a rare fantasy series that blends an appeal to women, with its strong female protagonist, and a Christian worldview—although the reader has to be neither female nor Christian to enjoy this captivating story.
Mary E. Calvert graduated with a degree in psychology and went on to receive her Master’s degree in counseling. Working for thirteen years as a psychotherapist in a psychiatric hospital for adolescents gave her insights into the human psyche that have contributed to the emotional depth of her characters. An avid traveler, having studied in England during her college years, lived in Italy and wandered extensively with her family throughout Europe, her travels have often inspired the places in her trilogy. And if those places didn’t make it onto the pages of her books, they have made it onto the pages of her scrapbooks, her other creative, artsy outlet. She also enjoys bagpipe music, cuddling with her two lovable Vizslas, and DIY projects.

Reviews

[Ruth VanSant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Mary creates an amazing world, drawing me in to the point that I want to go there! The story kept me turning the pages as fast as I could, and now I can’t wait for the next book! Enjoyable read!

[Thomas Bound · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second trip to Bensor in The Secret of the Hold was as fun and exciting as the first book in the Soultrekker Chronicles. This time, though, the romance changed the tone of the book from one of pure adventure to add in a new and touching aspect that was quite a pleasant change from the first. The lush descriptions of the exotic lands are vivid, and the danger lurks all about, even when the book is in its peaceful phase. A surprise twist at the end sets the reader up for the expectation of the third book! Looking forward to completing the trilogy!

[Christina Neely · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. I really enjoyed it! I can't wait for book 3!

[Daniel Sodini]

Great book! Perfect for my teenage readers with action, adventure and mystery. Great story that kept me captivated. Would definitely recommend! Can't wait for book three!!

[Jeff LaFerney]

I love books that suck me into another world of fantastic characters. I especially loved this one. It is the second in a series, and I can't wait for the third. Margaret Ann mysteriously wakes up in the real world from an experience in the Middle Ages in the fantasy realm of Guildenwood. In a very Lord-of-the-Rings-like adventure, as an elf-like character named Arwyn, Margaret Ann narrates her adventure under hypnosis. The world Calvert creates is amazing, and the adventure is no less spectacular. To her astonishment, Arwyn seems to be a key player in an old prophecy and a pivotal tool of Omni who has gifted her to battle the evil Draigon (whose path she keeps crossing). The action and pace of this second book accelerate, and the touching, emotional story will grip any reader. But it's the ending that is most captivating. I can't wait for book three after what happens in this book. I highly recommend that you start this series and read this terrific novel.