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The Soul Keepers #2

Of Fire and Storm: Piper Lancaster Series #2

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Book two in the Piper Lancaster series in the Curse Keepers World.

Just when Piper begins to accept her new role as demon slayer, a fresh threat rises. People are disappearing and Piper is sure a sinister, otherworldly force is at play. Add to that, ghosts who show up out of thin air, warning her of a danger she won't be able to outrun, and a freaking bevy of supernatural creatures hiding in the background, and Piper suddenly has her hands full. Especially when the new creatures aren't demons or ghosts, and she has no idea how to deal with them. Or whether or not they be good little monsters, or bad.

There is one man who has the knowledge she needs to survive, but she can't even count on him. Why? The bastard left town. One thing is certain: A big bad demon's come to town, and Piper has to stop him - but she needs help to do it. If only she could figure out whom to trust. . .

The Curse Keeper Series:

• The Curse Keepers Trilogy (Elle Lancaster)
• The Curse Keepers
• The Curse Breakers
• The Curse Defiers
• Of Ash and Spirit Trilogy (Piper Lancaster)
• Of Ash and Spirit
• Of Fire and Storm
• Of Blood and Monsters

©2018 Denise Grover Swank (P)2018 Denise Grover Swank

394 pages, Paperback

First published July 6, 2018

467 people are currently reading
324 people want to read

About the author

D.G. Swank

17 books228 followers
Official page of D.G. Swank, the urban fantasy pen name for Denise Grover Swank.

D.G. Swank is the pen name Denise Grover Swank uses for her urban fantasy and sci fi books.

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5 stars
555 (63%)
4 stars
243 (27%)
3 stars
63 (7%)
2 stars
9 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
Profile Image for Angela.
2,514 reviews10 followers
June 30, 2018
What the he!! I am so emotional over this book right now I can’t see straight. There are so many twists and turns and smack you in the face revelations I can’t even. Piper is amazing. Abel is Abel. There’s no other way to describe him without giving away major spoilers. And my Collin is back!!! But his actions are not what I expected at all.
A fantastic action packed book that will twist and turn your emotions until you just sit there with your jaw dropped.
Profile Image for Brandy Barber.
969 reviews23 followers
July 11, 2018
This whole book is epic. I can't even with all the stuff packed into it. Piper has her hands full for sure this time. I have so many feelings. There are some new things going on that had me saying what the heck a bunch. well really I was scream all kinds of stuff at this book. Abel, I love and hate him so much right now. We get to see some new people that have me saying hummm? We also get to see some old favorites! Cocky Collin, yes please. Badass Ellie, she has come along way. The whole book was a awesome smorgasbord of feelings. OMG There is so much I want to say but trying not to say any spoilers. This book is a must read. I don't want to miss a minute of this series. Thank you for the escape into Pipers world. I felt I was in the book the whole time.
Profile Image for Sheri P.
1,157 reviews24 followers
July 2, 2018
This story was an adrenaline rush I could not put down. The demons are wreaking havoc in Asheville and Piper works with her team to figure out what move is next. Even though readers have had to wait months for this next installment, we pick up with Piper only two weeks after the end of the previous book. Piper Lancaster is learning her new role and progressing by leaps and bounds. The ghost encounters are fascinating and offer the reader a deeper view of Piper's strength, courage and heart. One of the most anticipated and exciting parts of the book was the arrival of Ellie and Collin on the scene. When the book ended, I was in shock because I couldn’t believe it was already over. I NEED to know how this story continues. The suspense!!
Profile Image for Nicki.
298 reviews6 followers
July 1, 2018
This book was so hard to put down! Even after I finished reading it. I wanted to start it over from the beginning right away! It's so exciting and action packed! This book takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions. I love Piper and all of her friends, including the ghost ones. The dynamics between Piper and Abel are intriguing and I can't wait to see more. Piper's interactions with the ghosts are so fascinating. Each one shows us a different part of Piper. Having the Curse Keepers in this book was so great! These Lancaster girls are so awesome and badass! I just loved this whole book! I'm very eager for the next book!
Profile Image for Amanda.
308 reviews5 followers
December 16, 2023
Of Fire and Storm was everything I hoped it would be!! I absolutely loved this book. Piper is back at it with the ghost hunting, but is still busy slaying demons. I love that we get to see both the ghost and demon aspects of what she does. So many touching moments with the ghosts and plenty of scarier moments with some not so nice ghosts and the demons! Piper is just awesome and I enjoyed watching her progress with her powers. Abel does what Abel does best and made me love him, then hate him, then love him some more. Aaaand we get get the joining of Piper and her crew with Ellie and hers! Terrific combo! The whole novel is incredibly fast-paced and I couldn’t put it down. Cannot wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Bonnie.
234 reviews8 followers
July 14, 2018
My head was spinning so much I had to read Of Fire and Storm twice! D.G. Swank has taken Piper from her awkward start in Of Ash and Spirit and turned her into a bad-a heroine in Of Fire and Storm. Piper has really come into her own with this installment. Abel has never seemed particularly trustworthy, but by the end of OFAS I actually trust him completely. The plot developments throughout OFAS are non-stop. Let's just say I was SHOOK by both Hudson and Rhys (both of whom I adored in the first installment.) There is one heck of a plot twist that I'm sure will delight most readers familiar with The Curse Keepers series. Ellie and company make an appearance (my old friends!) Piper and Ellie complement each other well. I hope to see them teaming up to kick-a and take names as this series and The Curse Keepers world continues. *****Five stars*****
Profile Image for Laura.
2,505 reviews83 followers
February 21, 2019
Thunderstruck is how I feel after reading this amazing book. It has left me mystified, dismayed, horrified, understanding, and loving most of the characters in this series. This book is hard to put down and trust me you don’t want to miss out on reading this amazing series!! I was super stoked seeing the Curse Keepers trio! Can’t wait to see what Piper, the demon slayer will do in the next installment!!
Profile Image for Monique.
1,280 reviews56 followers
July 10, 2018
I had to step away for a few hours before I could write this review because so much happened and I had to take it all in. I have walked away with some answers, but so many many more questions are left hanging. And that's what is perfect with a mystery trilogy, you are guessing right up till the end. And DGS is the master at keeping us wanting more of this gang.

I love Piper, and I love the world she has now found herself in. She is new to being a demon slayer and all the other titles she has at present. She is learning as she goes, but also has the help of Jack, Rhys, Huddy and Abel. There are ghosts, demons and demi gods / gods that are keeping this group extremely busy. And I was so excited to see Ellie and Collin along with David from The Curse Keepers series make an appearance in this book. Just Heavenly!

There were times that I was laughing at the antics, or gasping at some of the discoveries or sad with a few outcomes the same as Piper was. I felt like I was there right beside her and boosting her forward. This is a great series for all UF lovers but also it is for anyone who loves a brilliant mystery or action packed story. It is the second book in the Of Ash and Spirit Trilogy, so make sure you have read the first one before escaping into Piper's terrene.
Profile Image for #ByFelicia.
551 reviews9 followers
July 10, 2018
This particular series is a spin-off of Swank’s The Curse Keepers trilogy. I highly recommend the original series if you haven’t read it as I feel as though it would enhance the reading experience although it is not necessary.

With that being said, I loved it! It was truly amazing. This book grabs a hold of you and puts you through the ringer! That, my book lover friends, is a really good thing! There is just so much that I’m still processing. Piper has grown into her powers in such a short time which opens a world of possibilities for her and makes her an even bigger prize. Abel is ever the mysterious man behind the curtain. Do we love him or do we love to hate him, that’s the real question. It was awesome to see Ellie, Collin, and David of the original series again. Collin hasn’t lost his touch! Such a great series with so much potential that Book 3 can’t get here fast enough!
Profile Image for Caroline Paquin.
479 reviews19 followers
January 26, 2020
But he’d lived hundreds of years with no one to help him carry his burden, whereas he’d stood by my side and helped me carry mine.

If there is one sentence that marked me in the second Piper Lancaster book, it is this one. I will not tell from where it's from, who it refers to, nothing. I keep things spoiler free. It will be for you to discover, and I seriously and sincerely recommend it.

That is regardless of the heartbreaks I've had, the tears I've shed, and the hole some events left in my reader's heart. For there have also been moments when my heart surged with hope for all of the characters.

DG Swank gave another master stroke with this second opus, and I can't wait to read what comes next. And this will come soon, really soon. (The third book is open and waiting for me.)
Profile Image for Andrea Hastings.
284 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2018
Wow! This book was amazing! I loved the first book of the series Of Ash and Spirit. I did not think it was possible but somehow, book 2 Of Fire and Storm far surpassed book 1 with action and my love. I could not put it down. I stayed up way to late reading it but was worth every hour of missed sleep.

I already loved Piper from book 1 and I was already intrigued by Abel and Jack. Book 2 made me love Piper even more and love Jack too. Abel was a different story. I had so many emotions with Abel. One minute I didn't trust him, next I loved him, then didn't trust him again, then irritated by him, intrigued again, the absolutely loved him again. To make this book even better; Ellie, Collin, and David (From The Curse Keeper series) are back! I am so excited to see everyone team up to take down demons, monsters, and Gods!
Of Fire and Storm was an action packed roller coaster of feelings and emotions. What a fantastic ride. I am desperate for book 3!
118 reviews3 followers
July 11, 2018
This is the first book of Ms. Swank’s that I have read. I was immediately sucked into this story that I don’t have the back story on. Even without knowing the history of how things got where they are, how Piper’s power manifested itself, her parents death, her friendships and alliances… this did not deter from my understanding or enjoyment of this book, though it definitely piqued my interest to go and read the first book in this series. I am anxious to see where things head next, the loyalty and reasoning behind Abel’s actions, what is going on with Tommy, it feels as though he has yet a bigger part to play in this. Excited to see where this goes!
115 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2018
Oh my...what an amazing book! I was so excited for this book, I loved the first book Of Ash and Spirit, and I couldn’t wait for Of Fire and Storm to be released. It definitely did not disappoint.

I absolutely love Piper. She has her hands full, in this book, with all the demons popping up all over Asheville. She’s trying to balance everything while trying to figure out what she’s a part of and what the heck is going on in her life.

I love that we got to see Ellie, Collin, and David again...I’ve missed them so much.

This book had so many twists and turns and had me guessing every step of the way. I can not wait to continue Piper’s story.
Profile Image for Norma's Nook.
424 reviews13 followers
July 11, 2018
The Curse Keepers World is so much fun! It's full of smart, no nonsense, incredible women and frustratingly charming, tortured heroes with the backdrop of a super interesting American legend. This chapter of Piper's story is so captivating that it's hard to put down and focus on normal life. It's well written, hilariously funny, mysterious, and heartbreaking at times. We definitely get some big reveals and we finally get to see some familiar, much loved faces! Get it! Read it! Get sucked back into it!
Profile Image for Ellen Anderson.
1,251 reviews
July 18, 2018
So good!

Anyone who knows me, knows that I can't stand reading supernatural books. Then why you ask did I read this one? Well because D.G. Swank has a way of writing them that totally draw me in. This book was even better than the first in the series. Also, if you haven't already read them, check out The Curse Keepers series about Piper's cousin Elinor and Colin. Now I just have to be patient and wait for the next book in this set.
Profile Image for Penny.
3,138 reviews85 followers
July 8, 2018
With this second installment of the Piper Lancaster series, I fell in love with the series all over again. As with the first one, this one is full of non-stop action, wonderful fun, twists, betrayal, and a glimpse of characters from the Curse Keepers series. I literally read this book in one setting, just like I did the first one. One thing, though, I was devastated at the end of this book, but I really can’t say why because I don’t want to give away spoilers. However, just be warned you’ll take one to the heart. I think there’s only one more book in this series, and I’m already sad because I just love Piper and her friends. If you love well-written urban fantasy, you really have to try this series and this author. Everything I’ve read so far I’ve loved. Highly recommend! I was provided the e-book which I voluntarily reviewed.
Profile Image for Ruthie Parrish.
88 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2018
This book was amazing! Literally, I couldn’t put it down! From the first word until the sensational last, pounding heart, Kleenex, and my phone on “do not disturb”, I was hanging on each word! I love this series and was thrilled to have characters from another series make an appearance. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Stephanie Schmidt.
200 reviews
July 9, 2018
OMG!!! Another on the edge of your seat book from D.G Swank. Piper is back and kicking butt. There is non stop action from start to finish. I was pulled in from the start, I loved all the twists and turns. Also Ellie and Collin are back in this book, which makes my heart melt!!!
89 reviews3 followers
July 10, 2018
This book is amazing!! I love Piper and Abel! I am so glad to see Ellie and Collin from the Curse Keepers make an appearance! There are so many twists and turns throughout the book that you will not want to put it down! Love this series and can not wait for the next one!!
Profile Image for Miranda.
437 reviews6 followers
January 4, 2020
Oh I couldn’t get enough of this book. Every little cross over from Curse Keepers had me so excited.
I enjoyed that the story was so intriguing that it didn’t need to be constant suspense to love it. Of course it kept me on my toes but not the type to give me anxiety from the suspense. I lived this so much I want to say more but fear spoil it.
This was seriously the best yet! Definite must read!
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,232 reviews44 followers
July 2, 2018
Talk about a monumental read full of discoveries, twists and turns, then oh wait for it a betrayal to how much more can Piper handle talk about thrown into the deep end WOW.

Piper is awesome she is training to be a demon slayer, riding ghosts from homes for people and trying to stay 1 step ahead from the Guardians now she has turned 25, at least she is not alone, or is she, can Piper really trust her closest friends and those who claim they want to help her...... It's all so jaw droppingly exciting, this is another amazing book from Denise Grover Swank that I could not put down.

Piper, Abel, Rhys, Jack and Hudson are back for Piper's continuing adventure and then we get to see Ellie, Colin and David again to as they assist Piper in her quest oh it's just all so exciting.

I can't wait for the final book in this trilogy.
Profile Image for Teresa Sambrook.
133 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2018
This book was fantastic! I love Piper! I was excited to see Ellie and Collin from Curse Keepers make an appearance! If you haven’t read Curse Keepers don’t worry because this book is awesome either way! I can’t wait for the next book in series to see what more trouble Piper and Abel causes and which demons and gods will be visiting this time.
Denise did it again with amazing characters and thrilling twists and turns that make you unable to put the book down.
432 reviews2 followers
June 24, 2019
Of Fire and Storm is a great second book for our demon slayer Piper and her friends. We finally get to know more about Abel and meet several new characters which must be making another cameo appearance in the next book. Abel's unusual interest in Piper is unnerving, as a reader, I am not sure I trust him but who else can help Piper find the answers and finance the training she so desperately needs? Rhys, Hudson, and Jack are thankfully continuing their roles in this book. That Jack is just the perfect guy for Piper, much like Daniel in Ellie's series. The cousins get to meet in this book but it is under distress - so no big family reunion....yet. This books ends with a cliff hanging - begging the reader for more! Excellent book!
Profile Image for Shawna Wood.
714 reviews20 followers
July 11, 2018
********3.75 Stars*******

what i love about Denise's book is the feeling of coming home. She writes her characters in way that makes you care about them life family and you miss them when they are gone and happy when you get to crack open a new book a visit them again.

It was great to be back in Piper's world again. She is really coming into her own and embracing her true self as she navigates her new world. While she is growing stronger everyday, Piper life is still shifting and evolving and mistakes are bound to happen. And this the beauty of Denise's writing. She is able to write such flawed and complex characters that don't have their ish figured out. it makes her characters relatable and the journey more fun.

The story is full of twist and turns that will keep you on your toes wondering what is up and what is down. The who spiritual world has lost it's mind and they are ready for revenge and no one is safe in Piper's sphere. Her role as demon slayer, leaves her wreak with guilt as the the supernatural world will do and use anything to get their message to Piper. I consider it a very twisted game of chess, where lives hang in the balance and wrong one move means certain death.

My only issues with the book is I feel there are too many characters. From all the spiritual beings and additional humans being introduced it felt to cluttered and bit chaotic that it took away from the main story and made it feel clunky at times and prevents me from rating it higher.

Despite a few issues I do love this series and this was an enjoyable read. I'm excited to see how Piper's journey continues.

*******Author provided a review copy*******
101 reviews
July 28, 2018
This second book of the Ash and Spirit Trilogy is decent light reading. Assigning a rating system to books is always difficult for me. It always seemed so arbitrary, so I developed a system. Books I don't finish out of boredom \get one or two stars. Books that I finish, but are basically a substitute for watching Castle or NCIS on TV receive three stars. Books I really enjoy but won't read again get 4 stars. Books that are added to my list of favorites that I may read again get five stars. I assigned this book three stars because I liked the basic premise and the main character is fairly engaging. However, within the first few chapters, parts of the plot made no sense. For example, the main character supposedly receives an envelope with $15,000 in cash from a deceased relative which is then stolen by her boyfriend, but she doesn't report it to the police because of potential tax consequences. No, no, no. There wouldn't be any tax consequences on $15,000 in cash. Still, I finished the book, and despite a few other plot flaws, enjoyed it. Fafter I finished, I discovered that the author published a three-book trilogy prior to this series which sets the stage. I'd recommend reading those books first.
Profile Image for Michelle Stuck.
181 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2018
I love books about strong women and Piper Lancaster is about as badass as you can get. She has come so far from Ash and Spirit. I love how she is developing her skills and abilities in this installment. I also loved seeing the way that she cares for Tommy. Yes, a woman can be fierce and loving!
Urban Fantasy is not a genre that I gravitate towards, however, author D.G. Swank writes them so wonderfully that I cannot resist them. There is a ton of action with demons and ghosts but there is also heart and romance and tension. This is another series that I fell in love with because of the characters. I don't know how DGS does it but she creates people you want to spend time with and feel sad when the book ends. I loved getting to see Collin and Piper's cousin, Ellie, in this book as well. Wonderful crossover of the Curse Keepers series.

Five stars!! I can't wait for book 3!
Profile Image for Find Me Behind a Book.
452 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2019
I received the ARC for an honest review.

Where do I even begin. This book was incredible. The review I am about to give won't even do it justice. This second book is thrilling and suspenseful. I found myself wanting to get to the end as quickly as possibly, but at the same time dreading the end because I wanted it to go on foreve. Many things are revealed throughout the story leaving you in awe of what occurred. I think Swank did an amazing job combining Ellie and crew into Piper's story. Ellie and Piper (and everyone else) will make one badass team. I am looking forward to the next book already.

If you haven't already started this trilogy, I highly suggest you pick up Of Ash and Spirit as well as this book.
Profile Image for Laura.
90 reviews
June 7, 2019
Of Fire and Storm is the second book in the Piper Lancaster series and it was such an amazing book! It was hard for me to put this book down because I really needed to know what was going to happen next. I was so excited to see Ellie, Collin, and David, from the Curse Keepers series, make an appearance. I am still unsure about Abel but I am looking forward to learning more about him. I love Piper, Rhys, Hudson, and Jack and I cannot wait to read more about them and their adventures.

I felt that Ms. Swank did an excellent job at creating this supernatural world that takes place in Asheville, North Carolina. It was also interesting to see what the afterlife could possibly look like for those who have passed. I also enjoyed reading about the other supernatural creatures in this book and their roles in this series. I am somewhat glad I waited to read the series only because I do not have to wait to read the third book in this series.
5 reviews
March 7, 2020
What I think -- Nan

This book will keep you awake and on your toes, believe me. This type of book is usually not my cup of tea, but I was hooked after reading #1. Each page was drawing closer and closer to someone getting killed and of course, my first thought was Jack, but you will have to read it to find out for yourself who it was. After the lady in the store told her that a friend was not her friend, I kept thinking it was Jack or Ryes and I finally figured out which friend it was. I will leave you right there, hoping you figure out who will betray Piper Landcaster. Oh yes, I was about to forget her meeting her relative, this one you have to meet for yourself. Now, I can't wait to continue with book #3.
Profile Image for Renee.
209 reviews13 followers
April 26, 2019
Not my favorite but it serves a purpose

To start, I have to admit I didn't care for the Curse Keeper novels at all although I love DGS books. I did, however, enjoy the first book with Piper.

This second novel felt incomplete for lack of a better word. It served a purpose to get us from point A to point B but didn't feel like a complete story in and of itself. Everything just kind of happened from Rhys, Piper meeting her cousin, to Jack and Abel. Not even the subplots were finished. So, while I see the necessity of this story, it didn't feel complete enough to me and thus, wasn't my favorite.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews

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