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Soul Fiend #1
Forgotten Essence
Death is an insurmountable fact. We all will experience it at some point. The question is what happens after. Where does the soul go?
Well, it goes to me. Or someone like me, at least. My name is Zella Healani. I’m a Grim Reaper. Not the kind most think of when they picture the old skeleton guy either. Nope. I’m young, have no swinging stick thing, and am usually swimming with some kind of mind-altering substance.
Don’t let that deter you. Not that you actually could. Like it or not, I’ll pull your soul free from your husk and ferry it back to the big soul soup we all start from. You get a new life, and I get a hit of euphoria so pure, it’s addicting. Oh, and some additional powers here and there.
But what happens if nobody comes for you? And why would someone keep Grims from reaping? That, my new friend, is exactly what I’m going to tell you. Have a seat and open the pages to discover what happens when you mix evil, Earth souls, and one screwed-up Reaper together.
**********
Forgotten Essence is a fast burn RH. This means she doesn’t choose between the men. It contains potentially triggering content. This book is not meant for those below age 18 and may not be suitable for everyone.
Well, it goes to me. Or someone like me, at least. My name is Zella Healani. I’m a Grim Reaper. Not the kind most think of when they picture the old skeleton guy either. Nope. I’m young, have no swinging stick thing, and am usually swimming with some kind of mind-altering substance.
Don’t let that deter you. Not that you actually could. Like it or not, I’ll pull your soul free from your husk and ferry it back to the big soul soup we all start from. You get a new life, and I get a hit of euphoria so pure, it’s addicting. Oh, and some additional powers here and there.
But what happens if nobody comes for you? And why would someone keep Grims from reaping? That, my new friend, is exactly what I’m going to tell you. Have a seat and open the pages to discover what happens when you mix evil, Earth souls, and one screwed-up Reaper together.
**********
Forgotten Essence is a fast burn RH. This means she doesn’t choose between the men. It contains potentially triggering content. This book is not meant for those below age 18 and may not be suitable for everyone.
502 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 29, 2020
97 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 15, 2020
3.9, rtc
March 13, 2020
You know what, as long as the second book doesn’t dissolve into sex, I think this one is a winner. It’s long and does feel like it drags in places probably because it’s long. There is sex but relationship wise feels like a slow burn and doesn’t have that cliffhanger ending.
Zella is a mess, a strong character But a tortured one, so there is alcohol and tab issues. Three guys Axton, Trace and Kian. Not insta love and plenty of chemistry. It’s mainly an introduction to the characters, with very little given away but lots of clues and questions. Looking forward to the next one.
Zella is a mess, a strong character But a tortured one, so there is alcohol and tab issues. Three guys Axton, Trace and Kian. Not insta love and plenty of chemistry. It’s mainly an introduction to the characters, with very little given away but lots of clues and questions. Looking forward to the next one.
March 21, 2020
3.75.
This was a looong read, but one I enjoyed. It dragged in paces and some of the world building was a bit vague, but integrating nonetheless.
I really like reading about deeply flawed characters and our MC really is flawed. She is a loner, who self medicated with drugs and alcohol to feel normal. Her actual trauma is alluded to, but it's not a woe is me tale. Zella is someone you do definitely get behind. I like her chemistry with the three guys, too, and while the physical aspect is quite fast burn with two of them, the emotional aspect is more slow burn. In fact I wanted things to move a bit faster, so this isn't just one of those shallow books filled sex.
It's not quite 4 stars because I just wanted a little bit more. I'm not sure what I wanted more if, but there was maybe a little something kissing. However, I would definitely recommend it if you like flawed heroines.
This was a looong read, but one I enjoyed. It dragged in paces and some of the world building was a bit vague, but integrating nonetheless.
I really like reading about deeply flawed characters and our MC really is flawed. She is a loner, who self medicated with drugs and alcohol to feel normal. Her actual trauma is alluded to, but it's not a woe is me tale. Zella is someone you do definitely get behind. I like her chemistry with the three guys, too, and while the physical aspect is quite fast burn with two of them, the emotional aspect is more slow burn. In fact I wanted things to move a bit faster, so this isn't just one of those shallow books filled sex.
It's not quite 4 stars because I just wanted a little bit more. I'm not sure what I wanted more if, but there was maybe a little something kissing. However, I would definitely recommend it if you like flawed heroines.
March 1, 2020
If you want a book that is different and will take you to another world, then you will need to read this. So we have Zella, who is an Elite Grim and is tough as nails. Once you read about her background, you will understand. However, due to Zella's wild side, gets assigned three other grims to look after her. Well that is what she says, since she likes to work alone. So I really fell in love with Zella because she is tough, smart, wild and she is to the point. So Trace, Kian and Axton who are now assigned to her, wonder if she is truly as great as everyone says she is. However, one day something happens and everything changes. Be ready for an incredible journey, there is fighting, smexy times and scary times. I really enjoyed reading this amazing book. I cannot wait to read the next in this series.
October 28, 2021
3 STARS
Um, so I wanted to love this.
I read the reviews and thought that this would be something very different in the RH world - a heroine who struggles with an addiction in RH books is...unheard of, so, naturally, I hopped on the band-wagon and gave it a read.
Before I start, I just want to say that, maybe I wasn't in the right frame of mind to tackle this - I've been knackered and really need something to hold my attention right now, so anything that remotely drags...looses my interest pretty quickly.
Now, I enjoyed what I read - another DNF for me.
I think the blurb kind of explains what's going on, so I'm not going to explain that, but it was a good concept - not very original, other than the addiction part, but if it's done right, I don't need originality.
My problem didn't lie with the characters - the harem wasn't amazing but I won't judge because I can tell there was more unravelling to be done there, but they weren't bad. I liked the heroine. She was an alcoholic and drug user - magical drug, and was often described as fucked up, but was the best at what she did.
My problem laid with the pacing. Now, don't get me wrong - I LOVE a long book, heck, my favourite book is nearly 900 pages long, but this book just drags. I needed more action! Little things that didn't need explaining were explained in PAINFUL detail and I just started skimming.
Every couple pages, we'd hear about the heroine popping pills, now, I know that she takes them a lot, but we don't need to hear it every time, you know? It felt like it was mentioned hundreds of times - the same transaction.
Know what I did enjoy? The sex.
HOLY SHITBALLS, it was hot. I really liked the fact that they had chemistry - it wasn't of the charts or anything, but it was there - and in RH books, for whatever reason, you don't find much chemistry. It might be because there are multiple guys she had to focus on and build a connection with. Maybe there's more chemistry in the RH books where the Heroine collects her harem one-by-one, I wouldn't know, but it's here, people.
I won't give a guy guide - I don't feel I stuck around long enough to figure them out and will not attempt to because anyone could tell that they're stacked with layers.
Heroine:⭐⭐⭐
Hero(es)- from what I've seen:⭐⭐⭐
Sex steam:⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sex frequency:⭐⭐⭐
Chemistry:⭐⭐⭐
Plot:⭐⭐
Um, so I wanted to love this.
I read the reviews and thought that this would be something very different in the RH world - a heroine who struggles with an addiction in RH books is...unheard of, so, naturally, I hopped on the band-wagon and gave it a read.
Before I start, I just want to say that, maybe I wasn't in the right frame of mind to tackle this - I've been knackered and really need something to hold my attention right now, so anything that remotely drags...looses my interest pretty quickly.
Now, I enjoyed what I read - another DNF for me.
I think the blurb kind of explains what's going on, so I'm not going to explain that, but it was a good concept - not very original, other than the addiction part, but if it's done right, I don't need originality.
My problem didn't lie with the characters - the harem wasn't amazing but I won't judge because I can tell there was more unravelling to be done there, but they weren't bad. I liked the heroine. She was an alcoholic and drug user - magical drug, and was often described as fucked up, but was the best at what she did.
My problem laid with the pacing. Now, don't get me wrong - I LOVE a long book, heck, my favourite book is nearly 900 pages long, but this book just drags. I needed more action! Little things that didn't need explaining were explained in PAINFUL detail and I just started skimming.
Every couple pages, we'd hear about the heroine popping pills, now, I know that she takes them a lot, but we don't need to hear it every time, you know? It felt like it was mentioned hundreds of times - the same transaction.
Know what I did enjoy? The sex.
HOLY SHITBALLS, it was hot. I really liked the fact that they had chemistry - it wasn't of the charts or anything, but it was there - and in RH books, for whatever reason, you don't find much chemistry. It might be because there are multiple guys she had to focus on and build a connection with. Maybe there's more chemistry in the RH books where the Heroine collects her harem one-by-one, I wouldn't know, but it's here, people.
I won't give a guy guide - I don't feel I stuck around long enough to figure them out and will not attempt to because anyone could tell that they're stacked with layers.
Heroine:⭐⭐⭐
Hero(es)- from what I've seen:⭐⭐⭐
Sex steam:⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sex frequency:⭐⭐⭐
Chemistry:⭐⭐⭐
Plot:⭐⭐
March 2, 2020
This is book 1 in a new series by Aster North, and it’s a fresh take on the grim reaper mythos. This is a sci-fi-ish, reverse harem novel.
Zella is tough talking, and pretty damaged, but is ultimately a very likeable MC. She is an Elite Grim that works alone, for reasons you will see pretty quickly. Needless to say, her first encounter with Grim Grouping Mannix is not a pleasant one, but they are forced together. We don’t get a ton of back story with the guys: Axton, Trace, and Kian, but we do see the relationships between each of them and Zella develop over the course of the book.
I really enjoyed this book! I love Zella and the guys, personality flaws and all! The story is well written, and you get enough information about this world to follow the story easily, leaving enough mystery for future books. There is no cliffhanger, but you are left with a question at the end, and I definitely can’t wait to read the next one.
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book from the author.
Zella is tough talking, and pretty damaged, but is ultimately a very likeable MC. She is an Elite Grim that works alone, for reasons you will see pretty quickly. Needless to say, her first encounter with Grim Grouping Mannix is not a pleasant one, but they are forced together. We don’t get a ton of back story with the guys: Axton, Trace, and Kian, but we do see the relationships between each of them and Zella develop over the course of the book.
I really enjoyed this book! I love Zella and the guys, personality flaws and all! The story is well written, and you get enough information about this world to follow the story easily, leaving enough mystery for future books. There is no cliffhanger, but you are left with a question at the end, and I definitely can’t wait to read the next one.
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book from the author.
February 27, 2020
Zella a.k.a Master Healani (FMC) is a solo grim reaper who mainly works alone because she cant get along with anyone she's partnered with. So when she ends up with Grim Grouping Mannix -Trace, Axton and Kian 3 grim reapers charged with basically babysitting her its makes for some laughs. Especially when Zella cant help but avoid them or they follow her into whatever trouble she gets into. I loved how opinionated but bundles of fun and laughs Zella is. The banter between all of them is just brilliant. Im hoping that there might be something going to happen with Zella nd Corin??? Fingers crossed. A great book and a damn fine read too
February 29, 2020
So I started this thinking, Hmm Grim Reaper, that sounds interesting. The more I read the more I was totally sucked in. She creates a whole new world of reapers and angels. The world (or should I say worlds) building in this book is absolutely fantastic. Each character that the main FMC interacts with the most is pretty well thought out and well introduced and this includes her mentor or master who isn’t in many scenes but is in her thoughts. Now my favorite thing in the story is her, well I don’t want to spoil it for you, so let’s call it her “animal companion”. It is really cool! Loved it! Excellent story, can’t wait for the next, there are definitely questions about what could happen next with Zella. I am super excited to see where the story goes.
March 4, 2020
This book grabbed my attention because well Reapers!! I love how Aster North has created a world and new take on the grim reaper mythos. I was pulled in from start to finish and related with Zella on so many levels. Loving the banter between her and grouping Mannix that she's forced to team up with as a punishment or is it? Forgotten Esscence is sci-fi and reverse harem. I definately recommend grabbing this book, especially if like me you like reapers and are looking for something new and fresh! You will not be dissappointed. Cannot wait for book 2 and more of Master Healani and the grouping Mannix!
August 19, 2021
Truly original and great world building!
This cover is just beautiful! I liked this story a lot since it was a completely different take on grims and I love how it had a solid storyline. I also loved Zella because not once has she ever bowed down to anyone or taken their nonsense. I also appreciated the glossary at the end. I was so confused with the jargons but I somehow realized the glossary was at the end of the book! The only thing I wish were different was it had too much inner monologue. It got a bit too wordy for me considering the length of the book. But overall, I think the read was worth it ♡
This cover is just beautiful! I liked this story a lot since it was a completely different take on grims and I love how it had a solid storyline. I also loved Zella because not once has she ever bowed down to anyone or taken their nonsense. I also appreciated the glossary at the end. I was so confused with the jargons but I somehow realized the glossary was at the end of the book! The only thing I wish were different was it had too much inner monologue. It got a bit too wordy for me considering the length of the book. But overall, I think the read was worth it ♡
March 9, 2020
Holy crap. This is amazing. Aster has rocked our worlds all over again with this brand new series.
Zella is a reaper but not your everyday carrrier of your soul reaper. Theres a heirarchy... who knew? And life and death is more complicated than we thought. Zella though is strong, independent... well she is but she needs support of alcohol and drugs to get out of bed in the morning... but havent we all needed that at some point.
This is an amazing read and i cannot wait to get started on the next!
Zella is a reaper but not your everyday carrrier of your soul reaper. Theres a heirarchy... who knew? And life and death is more complicated than we thought. Zella though is strong, independent... well she is but she needs support of alcohol and drugs to get out of bed in the morning... but havent we all needed that at some point.
This is an amazing read and i cannot wait to get started on the next!
March 10, 2020
Not for me
I just couldn't finish this, I was about 46% and I was just bored to tears. I liked the heroine, I'm not sure about the guys because this read dragged on and on about nothing but our heroine issues then anything else. I read more about her popping pills then anything, believe me I get it! its part of her story, but it didn't need to be the entire story. I felt this could have been a lot better, and paced a lot better as well. But anyways in the end I just lost total interest.
I just couldn't finish this, I was about 46% and I was just bored to tears. I liked the heroine, I'm not sure about the guys because this read dragged on and on about nothing but our heroine issues then anything else. I read more about her popping pills then anything, believe me I get it! its part of her story, but it didn't need to be the entire story. I felt this could have been a lot better, and paced a lot better as well. But anyways in the end I just lost total interest.
February 27, 2020
Wow! Absolutely the best I’ve read from Aster North. There is so much going on in this whole story from beginning to end. It is a nonstop adventure. Be prepared to be lost in a new and fascinating world. There are so many things I was trying to figure out from the very beginning, things I am still thinking about. This book will not let me go! I need the next one ASAP! I did not want to put this book down for even a second! Love yourself and read this book!
March 2, 2020
A reapers gonna reap
I love me a big book and this one did not disappoint.
This book is full of reapers and other supernaturals. The FMC Zella is freaking great. While damaged and working with alot of issues she has a give no s**** attitude. Even with zellas issues she manages to do what is right even with all the limitations put on her.
The world building in this book is crazy good. Especially the way that earth is incorporate. I'm hopping we get a book about that 🤞🏾
I love me a big book and this one did not disappoint.
This book is full of reapers and other supernaturals. The FMC Zella is freaking great. While damaged and working with alot of issues she has a give no s**** attitude. Even with zellas issues she manages to do what is right even with all the limitations put on her.
The world building in this book is crazy good. Especially the way that earth is incorporate. I'm hopping we get a book about that 🤞🏾
June 18, 2020
Every been stuck in bumper to bumper Traffic?
I like the story line and the characters, I really do. BUT, 3/4 of the book felt too long. Lots of slow over explained bits with bangs of good stuff. It felt like being in traffic when it finally starts to move and then you slow again. That last stretch was good and kept me engaged to the very end. if you’ve got the time, get into it but be warned.
I like the story line and the characters, I really do. BUT, 3/4 of the book felt too long. Lots of slow over explained bits with bangs of good stuff. It felt like being in traffic when it finally starts to move and then you slow again. That last stretch was good and kept me engaged to the very end. if you’ve got the time, get into it but be warned.
March 23, 2020
This is an amazing read that I loved from the moment that I started reading. It moves along at a great pace, has unique and interesting characters that you want to know more about and no matter what you want to see them overcome everything in their way. The story is amazing and will keep you reading until you finish the very last page. This is a must read, no doubt about it.
April 6, 2020
Reverse Harem Scifi Romance
Zella is a Master Reaper. She is wild and does things her own way. She gets assigned 3 Other reapers to watch her and keep her on the straight and narrow. That doesn't bode well for them. This book leads you on an action packed adventure. It is sexy and funny. I recommend it to all you scifi readers.
Zella is a Master Reaper. She is wild and does things her own way. She gets assigned 3 Other reapers to watch her and keep her on the straight and narrow. That doesn't bode well for them. This book leads you on an action packed adventure. It is sexy and funny. I recommend it to all you scifi readers.
May 14, 2020
I want more!
I love this book and now I want more! There is a teaser at the end for the next book, but since this was a fairly recent release, I bet it will still be awhile. I’m willing to wait! Aster North has written an amazing story with such great characters. I can’t wait to read Soul Fiends 2!
I love this book and now I want more! There is a teaser at the end for the next book, but since this was a fairly recent release, I bet it will still be awhile. I’m willing to wait! Aster North has written an amazing story with such great characters. I can’t wait to read Soul Fiends 2!
October 9, 2020
Phenomenal. I absolutely enjoyed this read. The world building, the storyline, the main character and her trials with substance dependency, the push/pull with her guys, and the realization that her sexy men can replace that dependency. I look forward to diving into book two and watching their relationship develop further.
February 26, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! It was a long one. The beginning confused me a little but the story was amazing! I’m excited for the second book. I have so many questions. It was a different take on Grimm reapers and the story building was really good!
April 4, 2020
This book kept me riveted. If you like action, steam, and new takes on what we think we know, you should definitely check this one out. Aster did an amazing job building a world and characters that will drag you in and keep you coming back for more.
August 9, 2020
Can’t wait for the next book!
I wish it had been an even longer book, I loved it so much. She does a great job in developing the characters and keeps you engaged over all 500 pages.
I wish it had been an even longer book, I loved it so much. She does a great job in developing the characters and keeps you engaged over all 500 pages.
September 11, 2020
Awesome
Loved this story! Zella is an amazingly flawed FMC dealing with her problems the best way she can when she is saddled with three unwanted “watchers” while trying to solve a huge problem. Loved the action, the twists and turns, and the amount of sass!
Loved this story! Zella is an amazingly flawed FMC dealing with her problems the best way she can when she is saddled with three unwanted “watchers” while trying to solve a huge problem. Loved the action, the twists and turns, and the amount of sass!
February 23, 2021
Amazing book!
This was a wonderful story!
I really loved Zella,, she was one truly tough ass kicker.
The first 15% of this story had me laughing, and cheering for her. It was nice to have such a long story to read. I loved every minute of it. Can't wait to start book 2!
This was a wonderful story!
I really loved Zella,, she was one truly tough ass kicker.
The first 15% of this story had me laughing, and cheering for her. It was nice to have such a long story to read. I loved every minute of it. Can't wait to start book 2!
February 27, 2020
I enjoyed that this book had such a different take on Grim Reapers. This book is true to Aster North’s form and keeps you interested from the very beginning.
March 5, 2020
omg, this book was fabulous!! loved the twist on the Grim Reaper and the purpose behind gathering souls. fantastic twist and turns in the storyline. cannot wait for the next in the series!!
March 20, 2020
Zella is a special one! At first I wanted to take her and shake some sense into her but as the story continued to started to get a better idea of where she's coming from and why she acts the way she does. I love the guys but still hope there's no secret agenda with them. I don't typically like sci-fi but this was good and not too "out there". I want to see how the whole dilemma plays out in the next book.
October 24, 2021
Holy crap. This is amazing. Aster has rocked our worlds all over again with this brand new series.
Zella is a reaper but not your everyday carrrier of your soul reaper. Theres a heirarchy... who knew? And life and death is more complicated than we thought. Zella though is strong, independent... well she is but she needs support of alcohol and drugs to get out of bed in the morning... but havent we all needed that at some point.
This is an amazing read and i cannot wait to get started on the next!
Zella is a reaper but not your everyday carrrier of your soul reaper. Theres a heirarchy... who knew? And life and death is more complicated than we thought. Zella though is strong, independent... well she is but she needs support of alcohol and drugs to get out of bed in the morning... but havent we all needed that at some point.
This is an amazing read and i cannot wait to get started on the next!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews