Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Dark magic, cursed objects, and a race against time.

After unearthing a cursed key, an ancient magic possesses archaeologist Olivia Perez, and the dark, dangerous power threatens to consumer her. The only way to free herself? Defeat the dark mage...before he destroys the world.

Setting out with her shifter partner, Olivia hunts for a relic that may be the key to saving the earth, but their mission is derailed by demons and sorcerers who want Olivia's dark magic for themselves. With enemies breathing down their necks and danger stretching out ahead, Olivia must tap into every ounce of wit, strength, and cursed power she has if she wants to stay out of the mage's clutches.

But will she sacrifice her morality in the process?

Witches reveal truths, fae unveil secrets, and Olivia's own past begins to clear as she and her partner race their way to an ancient wilderness, where the lines between friends and enemies blur, the struggle for control is deadly, and choices must be made which will haunt Olivia forever.

Fans of Tomb Raider and Ilona Andrews will love the urban fantasy/paranormal romance blend of The Hunted Soul, book two The Cursed Key Trilogy, a dark magical adventure series by Miranda Brock and Rebecca Hamilton!

Scroll up and one click to conjure this epic urban fantasy romance to your ereader today!

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2020

59 people are currently reading
89 people want to read

About the author

Miranda Brock

18 books347 followers
From an early age Miranda Brock has always loved fantasy and adventure everything. Since she doesn't live in a world of enchanting powers, mythical beasts, and things unbelievable she has decided to write about them. (Although, if you happen to see a dragon flying around, do tell her.) Born in southern Illinois, where she still resides with her husband and two children, she grew up running through the woods, playing in creeks, and riding horses. What started out as writing poetry grew into short stories and eventually led to her first novel, Souls Discovered. Miranda lives in the country where she finds inspiration in the simplicity and beauty around her. With the help of a ridiculous amount of coffee and some good music she writes whenever she gets a chance.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
110 (62%)
4 stars
50 (28%)
3 stars
12 (6%)
2 stars
4 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,961 reviews116 followers
April 23, 2020
I am loving this series! Well written this is full of adventure and action and a little romance and will have you hook line and sinker from start to finish! Can’t wait to read the next book!
Profile Image for Evan.
13 reviews
February 14, 2020
I like this series, but I felt this book sometimes suffered from romance elements that undermined its execution. As a male consumer of urban paranormal that, until recently, were mostly written by women authors, I have become accustomed to the romance elements of most of these books. It's also part of life, so I don't ding a novel for its mere presence. This is my way of saying romance isn't an instant red flag for me, though I avoid stories that are only about the romance.

Mainly, I worry about 3 things: does the romance distract from the narrative of the story, is it unrealistic, or is the love interest just plain annoying (See my review of Ilona Andrews' On the Edge, to see what I mean). Hunted Soul's problem is the first. The narrative is occasionally undermined by the romance, which I dislike because it takes me out of the story, especially when there is already significant tension. Romantic tension is OK, but not if it's too much and too repetitive. This doesn't happen often, but enough for me to ding the story.

Some of the action sequences were also really hard to follow. You couldn't tell what was going on or why. I found myself going back and re-reading portions that were just too confusing to me.

**Note: there are some minor spoilers below, but only if you haven't read the first book.

That said, there is still good world building and I do love the Olivia's continued internal battle with her own ancient demons. Another element that I really like about this story is the recognition of the consequences of violence and the throwaway nature of secondary characters in our literature and movies. The series seems to recognize that many of the secondary and tertiary characters are innocents or coerced and so the main protagonist actually makes an effort not to harm people when unnecessary. Often this is cast in terms of resisting the compulsions of her ancient memories. It makes for a more interesting story.

Also, the description of the story as being a nod to Tomb Raider is apt, since there is a lot of searching for lost artifacts--and in an effort to keep them out of the hands of the big bad.

So, those who like a healthy dose of romance in their novels will probably love this story and those that hate romance won't. Those who fall in-between, give it a read and let me know what you think.

I rated this a 3.5 but will round up to 4, because I do like the series and Amazon won't let me leave a 3.5.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews71 followers
February 23, 2020
ONE EXCEPTIONAL ADVENTURE!!!
Awe-inspiring! This talented, imaginative and enthusiastic duo delivers all the feels, spills and frills with such exuberance, finesse, style and jazz, laying it out skillfully and precise with a uniquely dynamic approach. Unveiling a foray of drama, intrigue, turmoil, misgivings, psychos aplenty, sinister situations and mounting suspense, along with a boatload of danger, while dodging calamity, you have one block busting adventure. When the going gets tough, pull on your demon ass-kicking boots and get to stomping. A raging tempest of fervent events chocked-full of surprising circumstances, blasting those swirling emotions into a life altering, mind-blowing culmination. Stumbling through the trials and tribulations, along with shocking twists, stunning corners and tricky lines, testing our characters in ways they could have never anticipated. Anarchy, escapades, havoc and evil creatures of the night run amuck, riding roughshod and fusing this baby together smoothly. The personalities are well matched and blend together smoothly. The characters and scenes are so colorfully descriptive to give you a full understanding and realism that blend and flows smoothly. Remarkable job guys, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.
Profile Image for Mandy (MP Book Reviews).
5,002 reviews45 followers
January 23, 2020
Archaeologist Olivia Perez and PITO Agent Kael are back trying to find the third key in order to stop the evil dark mage from beating them to it and destroying life on the world as we know it. At the same time Olivia as to struggle to contain the dark magic that lives within her and with Kael's help keep coming back when it tries to take her over. At the same time, they need to fight off all the others who would like to have the keys and her magic themselves - can they do all of that and stay alive? Can Olivia handle the glimpses of her past as they become revealed to her let alone keep her own morality intact while making some really difficult decisions?

Wow - this was a great continuation of the trilogy which moved the story along nicely while leaving lots of outstanding questions as well as tasks for them to do in the final book. I loved the way their relationship developed as well as the results of that development. The situations they found themselves in were credible to the story and well written so that I could see and feel them as I read the story. I just cannot wait for the final instalment now and now it all ends - especially the conclusion of the mate discussion.
130 reviews
February 28, 2020
The Hunted Soul, by Miranda Brock and Rebecca Hamilton
Book 2 in the Cursed Key Trilogy

In hunted soul, Olivia and Kael are searching for a magical key. Olivia is an archaeologist and has magical abilities. Kael is a jaguar shifter. They are racing to find this key before the evil magician does. The search takes them to many different places, where they hope to find allies they can trust to point the way.

I really enjoyed the book. There was lots of action and travel with just a hint of romance in the air. Olivia is struggling with her magical abilities and that causes a lot of self-doubt that is at odds with her normal personality. She and Kael are working together as friends and colleagues and there is a hint of something more personal, perhaps, but Kael is very secretive about himself. The main characters are well established and I found myself wanting to find out more about them when I finished the book.

I had not read the first book in the trilogy before I started this book, but I was able to pick up enough of the backstory from context to enjoy this book. (I am reading book 1 now, and I’ll be looking out for book 3 soon.
1,190 reviews9 followers
February 14, 2020
Olivia is on a leave from her job while Vehrin is still running around. She has been training and working with Kael. He is alittle over protective of her. They are looking to find the third key.Olivia is still trying to deal with magic in her system, it is ancient and wants out. It seems so destructive to her, she feels like she loses herself to it.
After she is attacked at her hotel, Kael helps her defeat them. They have a lead to the key. What they don't know, it is just the beginning of their journey. The leads will lead them to Africa. Where a lot of different things will happen for Olivia and Kael. Olivia will learn more about her magic, who she and Kael were together, what Olivia feels for Kael now.

There are so many things that happen in this book for the characters, It takes you on a roller coaster ride. When you reach the end, you wish you had the next book. Can't wait to see what the author has instore for these characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shayay.
2,820 reviews55 followers
February 16, 2020
2nd book in this series so be sure to start with book 1 before reading this one.

Love that we get tons more of tomb raider type stuff. Lots of action and adventure for Olivia and Kael! Love all the imagery the authors give the settings; fun to imagine. Love all the magical elements going on and I just find the whole premise interesting. Olivia and Kael are on the hunt for the dark mage before he finds the next magical object and causes mayhem and death. They find themselves in many dangerous situations; there’s lots of enemies to fight, so Olivia and Kael need to kick some major butt. Loved that Kael and Olivia’s relationship is starting to evolve and grow into something great. Love how protective he is of her; he could express his feelings in a more verbal way, but he’s the type that doesn’t do great with feelings. Really though, Olivia sucks at feelings too, so they are actually a pretty good fit. I’m excited to see where this story is going to go in the next book! This series is a fun read!
Profile Image for Vannessa.
1,223 reviews25 followers
April 28, 2020
I really enjoyed this second book in this series and the slow development of the romance between Kael and Olivia. They are both still on the hunt of the third key - the one which seems the most powerful of all and end up travelling all over the world chasing down both the key and Vehrin, who is never too far behind! Between tests and battles, both Olivia and Kael have their work cut out for them and it's not an easy journey at all. Just when you think they can take a break and get back to normality, something else is thrown at them and the whole thing starts back up again!

I loved the slow burn between these characters - you kind of knew they would end up together, but it's definitely not a jump straight in to declare undying love type of situation! I much prefer the slow burn!

I am looking forward to reading the last book in this trilogy and definitely hope Vehrin gets what is coming to him, but I'm sure that won't be an easy chase either!
Profile Image for Mary Brannian.
1,068 reviews19 followers
January 22, 2020
Danger and Desire... And Death?

Olivia finds herself in for the fight for her life. Ever since she became soul bound to the ancient key, malignant and malevolent forces have been seeking to capture her, take her, destroy her...

"Power doesn’t make you evil, and it doesn’t make you good. It gives you strength, certainly, but how you exercise that strength is what really matters.” - Kael

A deadly game of cat and mouse ensues as Olivia and Kael find themselves in one dangerous situation after another. Will they persevere, or will evil overtake the world?

"Was my life as I knew it really over?” - Olivia

This riveting and haunting tale will keep you entranced. You won't want to put this book down until the final word has been read. Danger and desire, amazing imagery and situations that will leave your head spinning.
Profile Image for Evelyn Dotson.
2,071 reviews16 followers
January 23, 2020
Olivia and Kael are back in the next part of the journey to find a third key! They have to go through more battles, more deaths, and more trials. The dark mage is sending more and more demons and other things after them to stop them! They end up dealing with a witch, lion pride, a prophetess, and more. Many misunderstandings occur within the organization Kael works with. Something major transpires between Kael and Olivia…but she is clueless until Ren fills in the blanks. Olivia’s archeological team goes on a dig to India for an artifact that will cost them much more than expected. Olivia is gifted with an old weapon by an old friend. Someone deep within her is making herself known and she intends to go after the fourth key and stop the dark mage once and for all. I received this as an ARC and am leaving a voluntary review.
Profile Image for Donna.
715 reviews
February 29, 2020
The Hunted Soul is Book 2 in The Cursed Key Trilogy by Rebecca Hamilton and Miranda Brock. Miranda and Rebecca again provide us with another thrilling adventure and continuation from Book 1. Will Olivia and Kael be able to find the nest key and keep it from the dark mage Vehrin and keep from getting either of them killed? This is a fast paced, page turning thrill ride that is beautifully written with phenomenal character development and has magical creatures (demons, a witch, lions, and other creatures). I was thoroughly captivated until the last word and highly recommend this book and trilogy. The story line is fabulous and the world building amazing. I am anxiously looking forward to the next book to see what thee two exception authors have in store for Olivia and Kael. Received a free copy from Booksprout and this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Heather Quarnstrom.
54 reviews4 followers
March 28, 2020
When I read the first book I fell in love with this series. The second book continues on with the same great world-building and character development as the first. The second I picked it up I just couldn't put it down.

It was great to see how Olivia and Kael interacted with each other and the rest of the world. I loved to see the plot thicken with all the twists and turns it took on the fight to save the world from the evil Vehrin.

Bottom line is that if you loved the first book you will love this one. If you enjoy magic, shifters, and a fight to save the world you will be unable to put this series down. I highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for M.P..
Author 36 books222 followers
February 23, 2020
This was the first book I've read by Rebecca Hamilton, and I was not disappointed!

I loved the quick, witty banter between Kael and Olivia. The story was enticing, pulling you right into the action. The characters were written in a way that instantly makes you invested in their success. I found myself rooting for Olivia from the first page. It took a couple of chapters for me to decide how I felt about Kael. There is just enough intrigue and mystery to keep the reader engaged. I can't wait to read more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jessica Woods.
1,291 reviews24 followers
February 26, 2020


The Hunted Soul begins with archaeologist Olivia Perez struggling to adjust to her new powers. With hunky jaguar shifter Kael as her protector, Livi tries to stop the dark Mage Vehrin from getting the third key of power. This is where reading the first book comes in handy because I had to play catchup starting with this book. Once the action starts, this book is a roller coaster ride of danger and magical suspense as you get drawn into the story. The romance is a light touch that just spices up the adventure. I will definitely be reading the first and all the next books in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kim.
127 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2020
This is a great adventure, with demons, fae, a dark mage and a variety of other magical creatures. Olivia and her jaguar shifter partner Karl are on the hunt for another key to keep it from the dark mage, so he cannot use them to destroy that which he can't control. This follows there journey to finding the keys and trying to hold onto them. I can't wait for the next book in this series to see where they go next and what adventures await.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
634 reviews17 followers
March 1, 2020
This book hooks you right from the first page as Olivia is searching for the third key to keep it out of the dark mage’s hands. Kael, a jaguar shifter goes with her as a protector and love interest. There’s lots of danger and action as the pair search for magical artifacts and fight off demons. This book is well written with great descriptions and I loved the characters, especially Olivia. I definitely recommend it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,140 reviews88 followers
April 17, 2022
Archaeologist and nascent mage Olivia Perez continues to partner with PITO Agent jaguar Kael Rivera in a globe hopping chase pursuing dark mage, Vehrin, in his quest to reach the next keys of power that could help him change the world. Meanwhile, the dark magic grows in Olivia as she struggles to learn to control it.

While this reader has no patience for the tediously exhausting Olivia (in either outing), the romance, action, drama didn’t meld well in this outing to my taste making for a bumpy read.
Rating: 3.75stars
2,259 reviews6 followers
February 22, 2020
Olivia must balance the use of her magic but not let it consume her. Olivia and Kael are on a quest to stop Vehrin. They must find the third key. The one that can control the two around Olivia’s neck. If Vehrin gets it he will have her soul and can control her. Along the way they will have help from new friends but there will be betrayals. If they fail Vehrin will ruin the world. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Profile Image for Ruth.
497 reviews10 followers
February 23, 2020
The second book in The Cursed Key Trilogy series. The action starts at the very beginning as Olivia searches for the third key. Kael aids in keeping Olivia safe from evil forces wanting to take her magic and her two keys. Action, adventure, danger, magic, shifters can be found in this story. Loved the fast paced action and surprises!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Josette Thomas.
1,274 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2020
Oh my! This book has left me wanting more. I need to know more about Kael and Olivia’s bond. I need to know how and where the fourth key is. I need to know if Olivia will go on a date with Renanthe. I feel there is more to why PITO wants Olivia close by. I also feel Olivia has more to learn about her powers. Will she be able to get her soul back? The anticipation while waiting for another book in the series may just kill me! Just kidding! I will not die but waiting will be difficult!
Profile Image for Shoshanah Lila.
266 reviews
March 2, 2020
An inengaging PN adventure. Written with complex and intetesting characters. The historical settings and physical struggles remind this reader of TOMB RAIDERS and INDIANA JONES if there were Mages, Shifters, Fae, and other mythical or magicals included. Haunted Soul ends with a set up for the next in the series. I enjoyed book one THE KEY and am looking forward to book three whose title is as yet un known to me.

++ This is voluntary feedback of a Book Sprout title.
Profile Image for Desiree Derouen.
158 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2020
Holy schnikies Batman!! Hold on to your “Oh SHIT!” bars, make sure your seatbelt is firmly locked in place, keep all hands, fingers, & viable body-parts in the vehicle at all times folks cause this was one heck of a ride!! HUGELY ENTERTAINING & RECOMMENDED!!

I received this little gem of an ARC for free!! Lucky me!! For my honest opinion and review. HAPPY READING!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for emma.
199 reviews3 followers
April 1, 2025
Olivia Perez has found herself consumed by magic whilst being chased by the dark mage, who wants her keys to be able to destroy her and the earth. She has got Kael by her side as they battle towards obtaining all the keys and defeating Vehrin.
This is an excellent follow on from the first, with more magic, shape shifters, witches and warlocks. With plenty of action to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Highly recommend
142 reviews
February 9, 2020
Really enjoyed this book, if you like books about Shifters, Mystery and Magic then read this, with danger Olivia Perez and Agent Kael travel through Africa trying to find the third key in order to stop the evil dark mage, cant wait to next book

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Teresa.
1,120 reviews6 followers
February 9, 2020
Olivia and Kael are on a mission: destroy the dark mage Vehrin before he destroys their entire world! Olivia has two of the keys Vehrin needs. They must find the third key before he does. This is the second book in the Cursed Key series and is full of action, with wonderful characters and storyline!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,931 reviews17 followers
February 22, 2020
Olivia and Kael search for another key, a Key that could be particularly dangerous if it were to fall into the wrong hands. Their search takes them from Paris to the African wilderness, where Vehrin has set traps, and influenced the shifters who hold what they seek. Olivia and Kael will fight for their lives, and the lives of the innocent, whom the evil mage would destroy to obtain the same relic.

Fascinating, and unique characters, both the familiar, and those introduced within the pages of this book. Wow! Exciting, and action packed read with lots of magic, and paranormal creatures. Suspenseful, with some unexpected, and surprising twists in the plot that kept me on the edge of my seat, and reading into the early morning hours. Fantastic book!

I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.
Profile Image for Barbara Harrison.
3,423 reviews87 followers
February 18, 2020
This is apparently the second book in a series. It is late autumn and Olivia Perez, magic-user, travels with PITO shifter Kael Rivera from Charleston, South Carolina to Denver to Chicago to Paris to Nairobi, Kenya and finally back to Charleston. PG13, I finished it in about eight hours.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews52 followers
February 28, 2020
The Hunted Soul by Rebecca Hamilton is a really awesome story that I have read. This is book number two in this awesome series that I have loved since reading book number one. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy and paranormal romances.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
264 reviews17 followers
February 29, 2020
This book really picks up the pace for the series and gives us a lot more information. There's a lot going on now with Olivia's magic, and the hunt for the evil mage. There's secrets, betrayal, death, and Olivia's choices on how far she's willing to go or not go to stop the mage. There's more violence, some nudity (shifters destroy clothes), but no explicit adult content.
Profile Image for Crystal.
1,263 reviews8 followers
March 2, 2020
Olivia and Kael are on the hunt for a 3rd key and they have to get to it before Vehrin does. This takes them on a quest of sorts with all sorts of trials and things to over come. Olivia and Kael are growing closer along the way. The ending was a bit of a shock and I am looking forward to seeing where the next book takes them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.