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Dark Spirits #2
Forest of Spirits
Never go into the forest alone. There are things that dwell within the woods. Things that came with the mist even as forests expanded or appeared where none before had been. Things that terrorize humanity and worse if rumor was to be accounted...people disappeared into the woods.
Humanity has done its best to limp along after the world went to hell. They hunted and tended the fields as they attempted to live the best lives with what they had. They wanted to pretend that everything was fine while avoiding the terror of the forest. Diana lived in a state of uneasy peace with the woods near her home until the same forest betrayed her and shifted her between worlds. There something hunts and devours men. And worse, it has intruded into the mortal world. Caught in a web of fate, Diana has no escape from the terror of her destiny awaiting her.
Silvas is the lucumo silvani and high king of the Eternal Forest. When he is alerted to the rise of a dangerous monster, one of the Tainted Ones half-remembered in ancient myths, he is forced to take up the burden of harnessing death itself to protect both worlds of humanity and the denizens of the Eternal Forest. Betrayed once by the promise of love, he has no interest in forming a permanent bond with a human whose life-thread is woven into the upcoming events by the Fates. A role that is unclear even to the oracle. Yet as they face the darkness together, will he forge an alliance of flesh, blood and love with the one being who could destroy him?
Humanity has done its best to limp along after the world went to hell. They hunted and tended the fields as they attempted to live the best lives with what they had. They wanted to pretend that everything was fine while avoiding the terror of the forest. Diana lived in a state of uneasy peace with the woods near her home until the same forest betrayed her and shifted her between worlds. There something hunts and devours men. And worse, it has intruded into the mortal world. Caught in a web of fate, Diana has no escape from the terror of her destiny awaiting her.
Silvas is the lucumo silvani and high king of the Eternal Forest. When he is alerted to the rise of a dangerous monster, one of the Tainted Ones half-remembered in ancient myths, he is forced to take up the burden of harnessing death itself to protect both worlds of humanity and the denizens of the Eternal Forest. Betrayed once by the promise of love, he has no interest in forming a permanent bond with a human whose life-thread is woven into the upcoming events by the Fates. A role that is unclear even to the oracle. Yet as they face the darkness together, will he forge an alliance of flesh, blood and love with the one being who could destroy him?
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2020
192 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Sanders
86 books1,008 followersS.J. Sanders is a mom of two toddlers and one adult living in Anchorage, Alaska. She has a BA degree in History, but spends most of her free time painting, sculpting, doing odd bits of historical research, and writing. While she has more research orientated writing under another pen name, her passion is sci-fi and paranormal romance of which she is an avid reader. After years of tinkering with the idea, and making her own stories up in her head, S.J has began to seriously pursue writing as an author of Sci-fi Romance utilizing her interests in how cultures diversify and what they would look like on a extraterrestrial platform to humans interacting with them and finding love.
She can be found on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Author-SJ-Sa...
And follow her blog at https://sjsandersromance.wordpress.com
She can be found on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Author-SJ-Sa...
And follow her blog at https://sjsandersromance.wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 18, 2020
LOVE this writer but this book.sucked
I hate leaving a negative review for a writer whose work I adore but I just gotta. The hero in this one was such an irredeemable jerk. The heroine a doormat. The character development here was awful.
I hate leaving a negative review for a writer whose work I adore but I just gotta. The hero in this one was such an irredeemable jerk. The heroine a doormat. The character development here was awful.
July 11, 2020
3.5 stars
I like the story but, at the same time, feel nothing at all.
The writing was incredible. I say it in every review, but it just gets better with every book.
Sadly, the characters felt flat compared to other of her works. It could just be me, considering this is my third book by Sanders this week. I will try to restrain myself from reading any more until her new book comes out later this month.
I like the story but, at the same time, feel nothing at all.
The writing was incredible. I say it in every review, but it just gets better with every book.
Sadly, the characters felt flat compared to other of her works. It could just be me, considering this is my third book by Sanders this week. I will try to restrain myself from reading any more until her new book comes out later this month.
June 30, 2020
Not quite 3 stars
Pros- the world and story were one of a kind. I loved the unique descriptions of the creatures.
Con- I found the characters to be flat. I didn't love the h and the H was slightly better but was not enough to elevate the couple. The h fell flat for me, she just went along with the flow forgiving everything and not thinking for herself. She could have been great and gotten into lots of trouble within the new world she found herself. She also was very trusting considering where she was and I found her a bit uninteresting due to that.
Spoilers:
Also some things were off. She makes a point to ask if he has been hugged and held a child, then later his son pops up and they hug. Then he claims he has held so many babies he has lost count? I felt like I was reading about two different characters. One who is socially undeveloped and lonely, and the other as having a great and loving family. It has three stars because it wasn't bad, I just felt like it was hard to keep interested when things were conflicting.
Pros- the world and story were one of a kind. I loved the unique descriptions of the creatures.
Con- I found the characters to be flat. I didn't love the h and the H was slightly better but was not enough to elevate the couple. The h fell flat for me, she just went along with the flow forgiving everything and not thinking for herself. She could have been great and gotten into lots of trouble within the new world she found herself. She also was very trusting considering where she was and I found her a bit uninteresting due to that.
Spoilers:
Also some things were off. She makes a point to ask if he has been hugged and held a child, then later his son pops up and they hug. Then he claims he has held so many babies he has lost count? I felt like I was reading about two different characters. One who is socially undeveloped and lonely, and the other as having a great and loving family. It has three stars because it wasn't bad, I just felt like it was hard to keep interested when things were conflicting.
June 17, 2020
Im so disappointed... I was so happy when the book came out, but i really REALLY disliked Silvas. Wow. What a piece of work! Yes, they were in lust, but i missed the love and true caring aspect in their weird relationship.
I loved Havoc of Souls with the wonderful lovestory of Charu and Meredith. It was genius!!!
But the second book is just horrible. I really tried, but their „love“ was never believable. Just sad...
I loved Havoc of Souls with the wonderful lovestory of Charu and Meredith. It was genius!!!
But the second book is just horrible. I really tried, but their „love“ was never believable. Just sad...
December 24, 2022
SJ Sanders can we have a RH in this world? The talk of mtn trolls intrigued me. I love this series so much. Silvas and his kingdom were so well done. This is her best book yet. The characters are fully fleshed and the world building fantastic.
July 1, 2020
First and foremost, this story was truly awesome. I honest to goodness devoured it. It deals with a lot of ancient mythology (Etruscan; how cool is that?!) and just a whole lot of magic and who doesn't love that? Also, this has to be one of the best covers. They did a great job capturing the character, but also it's just neat looking. And to note: I did not read book 1. I do not feel like I was left confused despite that, even though I wish I had read it first.
There is so much to this book that it's really hard to give you much to go on without ruining something for you. There are a lot of twists and turns, plenty of heart wrenching moments, darkness in spades, and sensual people coming out of the woodwork (literally, tehe). Silvas is the god of the eternal woods playing at being a mere immortal king after a rather bad war and is as arrogant and assuming as that implies. His mother is the goddess of love, Turan (most would know her as Aphrodite) who has decided enough is enough and it's time for him to take a mate after several millennia of avoiding it (no spoilers, this is the plot from the prologue). I actually really liked Turan in this.
Diana, a simple human huntress living alone along the edge of the woods after the great ravaging, is the hapless soul who is tasked with the legendary fate to tame the beast. And boy is he a beast, that poor girl. She's a strong female lead, with heaps of independence and plenty of spunk. She works for her HEA but wonderful woman that she is, she makes Silvas work for it, too, after he does a number of stupid things to her.
As with most reviewers, I really liked Raskyuil the troll quite a bit. Also, Dorinda was pretty awesome. The missing star is because holy cow did this need another proof read. Nothing that ruined the story, but enough to jar me out of my flow way too often. Story-wise, it's totally five stars in my book. If you're looking for a great fantasy ride with some re-imagined gods/creatures/magic, lots of steam and sensual characters, action filled adventures, an epic battle, and some humbling of stupendous proportions, you should definitely give this a go.
There is so much to this book that it's really hard to give you much to go on without ruining something for you. There are a lot of twists and turns, plenty of heart wrenching moments, darkness in spades, and sensual people coming out of the woodwork (literally, tehe). Silvas is the god of the eternal woods playing at being a mere immortal king after a rather bad war and is as arrogant and assuming as that implies. His mother is the goddess of love, Turan (most would know her as Aphrodite) who has decided enough is enough and it's time for him to take a mate after several millennia of avoiding it (no spoilers, this is the plot from the prologue). I actually really liked Turan in this.
Diana, a simple human huntress living alone along the edge of the woods after the great ravaging, is the hapless soul who is tasked with the legendary fate to tame the beast. And boy is he a beast, that poor girl. She's a strong female lead, with heaps of independence and plenty of spunk. She works for her HEA but wonderful woman that she is, she makes Silvas work for it, too, after he does a number of stupid things to her.
As with most reviewers, I really liked Raskyuil the troll quite a bit. Also, Dorinda was pretty awesome. The missing star is because holy cow did this need another proof read. Nothing that ruined the story, but enough to jar me out of my flow way too often. Story-wise, it's totally five stars in my book. If you're looking for a great fantasy ride with some re-imagined gods/creatures/magic, lots of steam and sensual characters, action filled adventures, an epic battle, and some humbling of stupendous proportions, you should definitely give this a go.
June 27, 2020
Loved
I honestly think I loved this story more than I did the first one in this series. My only complaint is how whiney Diana was at times. I just wanted to yell SUCK IT UP. However the story really played out to its fullest potential. S.J definitely takes you on a little adventure with a well thought out plot and great story pacing. And it’s on KU!
I honestly think I loved this story more than I did the first one in this series. My only complaint is how whiney Diana was at times. I just wanted to yell SUCK IT UP. However the story really played out to its fullest potential. S.J definitely takes you on a little adventure with a well thought out plot and great story pacing. And it’s on KU!
August 30, 2022
SJ Sanders really knows how to build a compelling world and create characters that I love!
We start the story with Diana, a human just trying to survive and make somewhat of a life in her family home on the edge of the newly expanded woods. She hunts there regularly and this is where she meets the creature depicted on the cover of the book, Silvas.
From there begins a whirlwind of an adventure, with a couple of very menacing foes and a great cast of side characters. This is a bit of a slow burn, it takes until about 50% of the way in for them to finally “bond” in the way that fate has planned.
To be fairly warned, this does have a lot of dark and gory scenes, as well as some seriously heartbreaking conflict between the couple. It does end with a HEA though!
I really enjoyed this book and I like how Silvas is a complex god with numerous issues that they work out together through time. It makes it more believable.
We start the story with Diana, a human just trying to survive and make somewhat of a life in her family home on the edge of the newly expanded woods. She hunts there regularly and this is where she meets the creature depicted on the cover of the book, Silvas.
From there begins a whirlwind of an adventure, with a couple of very menacing foes and a great cast of side characters. This is a bit of a slow burn, it takes until about 50% of the way in for them to finally “bond” in the way that fate has planned.
To be fairly warned, this does have a lot of dark and gory scenes, as well as some seriously heartbreaking conflict between the couple. It does end with a HEA though!
I really enjoyed this book and I like how Silvas is a complex god with numerous issues that they work out together through time. It makes it more believable.
October 18, 2022
Good story
I liked this book but it did drag a little in places and I found myself skipping the odd paragraph here and there. I did enjoy it and liked the characters created but less flowery bits would have seen it a 5
I liked this book but it did drag a little in places and I found myself skipping the odd paragraph here and there. I did enjoy it and liked the characters created but less flowery bits would have seen it a 5
August 4, 2020
Let me illustrate the ways that S.J. Sanders books rock (from chapter 13):
In literally every other book in this genre, our heroine would have taken him up on the offer. They always want to escape, and are never honourable. S.J. Sanders heroines are honourable, strong, brave, everything I enjoy reading about.
5 FREAKING AMAZING stars. Of awesomeness. Wow. Seriously just wow.
I hurt. I seriously hurt right alongside Silvas and Diana. It was awesome. And the grovelling Silvas did, and how Diana got to rail at him, so satisfying! Ugh everything about this book was awesome.
S.J. Sanders gets better every single book she writes. I am ready to create a shrine to her books XD
“Beer?” she asked. It had been a long time since she enjoyed a good Bud.
“Of course,” he returned. “I brew it myself.” He paused, no doubt seeing the longing that she felt twist through her. One thick, dark eyebrow rose. “I might be persuaded to share it with a fair bargain.”
It could be hot and stale, and she would still drink it like it was ambrosia. She was so tired of water and the rare treat of fruit juice. Someone in town had started a cask of wine, but this crop of grain was considered too valuable to waste on brewing. Still, call her suspicious, it sounded a little too convenient.
Diana’s eyes narrowed. “Like what?”
“That you will leave when we return to the palace. I will find you an escort back to your world. I can’t guarantee where you will arrive, but at least you can find your way home.”
Her brow fell. She should have known it would be something like that. “Fuck you. I gave my word to Silvas, and I will not go back on it.”
In literally every other book in this genre, our heroine would have taken him up on the offer. They always want to escape, and are never honourable. S.J. Sanders heroines are honourable, strong, brave, everything I enjoy reading about.
5 FREAKING AMAZING stars. Of awesomeness. Wow. Seriously just wow.
I hurt. I seriously hurt right alongside Silvas and Diana. It was awesome. And the grovelling Silvas did, and how Diana got to rail at him, so satisfying! Ugh everything about this book was awesome.
S.J. Sanders gets better every single book she writes. I am ready to create a shrine to her books XD
June 18, 2020
Uuuuuh Girlllll !!! That was soooo cool like ...damn !! I loved the world building , the characters!!! Hahaha I definitely love Turan (seriously goddess I think I need your help hahaha *cries internally * ) this is by far one of my favorite books of this year really, in this one has everything romance, action, heartbreak, ... and all these things a amazing book must have , but you know what I like the more in S.J Sanders books ? Everything happens in the book you don’t stays like “ ok and then ? “ or “ this could be different " or worse wanting for book two in a standalone .
Ok now about the characters in the first book that was about Charu the first time I saw Silvas I definitely already suspected that the second one was going to be about him because damn he was soooo hot in that mansion when he helps Charu so yeah hahaha but In this book we know him and I loved every minute ok not really because he can be a stubborn asshole but I forgive him , one of the things that I liked the more was his link with his Forest the creatures that habit there and he can shapeshift !!! , and guys .... he’s sooo wild hehehe you get the reference? Ok I’ll not speak about how sexy and wild he is when he is fuc*ing .... now we have Diana duhh! We can know she’s a badass just because of her name , but really the girl knows how to hunt , knows how to fight with a sword, and isn’t a damsel in distress so she’s perfect !! And better of all hahaha she doesn’t gets his bullsh*t really she made he sweat for .... I’ll not say Hahaha .
Ok now about the characters in the first book that was about Charu the first time I saw Silvas I definitely already suspected that the second one was going to be about him because damn he was soooo hot in that mansion when he helps Charu so yeah hahaha but In this book we know him and I loved every minute ok not really because he can be a stubborn asshole but I forgive him , one of the things that I liked the more was his link with his Forest the creatures that habit there and he can shapeshift !!! , and guys .... he’s sooo wild hehehe you get the reference? Ok I’ll not speak about how sexy and wild he is when he is fuc*ing .... now we have Diana duhh! We can know she’s a badass just because of her name , but really the girl knows how to hunt , knows how to fight with a sword, and isn’t a damsel in distress so she’s perfect !! And better of all hahaha she doesn’t gets his bullsh*t really she made he sweat for .... I’ll not say Hahaha .
May 6, 2023
I loved Havoc of Souls and absolutely ADORED Meredith and Charu! They're one of my top favorite fantasy romance couples, and I could gush on and on about them but anyway...I had high hopes going into this one.
Sad to say, it was so disappointing.
It didn't help that I had such a difficult time starting the book. So many times I put it down and had little interest in picking it back up... Maybe I should've given up...
The romance sucked. It brought all the worst aspects of "fated mates" into the mix, and boy was it bad! .
Silvas/Selvans, the not-hero, was a wishy-washy asshole who didn't deserve Diana , who , and yet she forgave him too easily for all his failures as a romance hero.
After the , I lost all hope and patience.
Sad to say, it was so disappointing.
It didn't help that I had such a difficult time starting the book. So many times I put it down and had little interest in picking it back up... Maybe I should've given up...
The romance sucked. It brought all the worst aspects of "fated mates" into the mix, and boy was it bad! .
Silvas/Selvans, the not-hero, was a wishy-washy asshole who didn't deserve Diana , who , and yet she forgave him too easily for all his failures as a romance hero.
After the , I lost all hope and patience.
August 20, 2020
Dnf 43%
I just don't feel it
I just don't feel it
September 7, 2020
Forest
Not my favorite book but not my least favorite either. And I have to say I really learned a lot of mythology trivia
Not my favorite book but not my least favorite either. And I have to say I really learned a lot of mythology trivia
May 24, 2021
This is an epic novel, both in length and the plot. Notions of Free Will, Intuition, Trust, Gods/Humans and Pride before the Fall as well as well as the crumbling of old beliefs are explored in this book.
We meet Diana (The Huntress) who is human and living near the edge of a forest. It is a post apolyptic state for earth and Diana supplements her food items with game caught in her traps. Diana leaves gifts for the forest in return for her kill, thus cementing her relationship with The Forest.
Silvas aka Selvans is our Male protagonist and is actually a God masquarading as the King of the Forest. He is ancient: having lived for millenia. He is also arrogant, jaded and somewhat lost. He has eschewed his responsibilities to the forest which is now a reflection of his state of being. It is in a bad state! For a God, he is pretty stupid as far as I am concerned. He somehow got entangled with a Dryad who shared his bed for a few centuries and she succeeded in sucking the life out of him. For some strange reason, after casting her aside, he let her remain in his Palace or Arx as it is known. Silvas blames Alseida for his lack of trust and doesn't accept his own part.
Diana inadvertently crosses over from the human realm to the magical forest after being pursued by a horrific creature. Silvas is alerted to the presence of this creature who is called Cacus. He finds Diana and of course, using the device of smell, Silvas is attracted to Diana. His sense of intuition is flawed and he doesn't trust Diana.
Silvas is a hard character to like in the first half of the book. He has no notion of love, affection and displays of affection. He realises that Diana is part of his destiny and is not too happy about learning that she is his bondmate. There definitely isn't any love between them when they join and Diana is aware of his coldness about any relationship. He struggles to deal with his emotions around this knowledge and it is an inopportune time to be investigating them. The forest is in a crisis and it is tied in with the Cacus. So we have an epic road/mountain trip as well as the inevitable parting of Diana and Silvas, who has blocked her (much like a Facebook blocking! LOL) However, Fate has other plans and Silvas must come crashing down. Sanders' female characters are always strong at heart and Diana was no exception. She was brave in battle and brave in her dealing with Silvas when he returned. She gave no quarter and Silvas had to win her trust.
There was a continuity problem that arose for me. I had read Aquilo's story first and was introduced to Silvas/Selvans and Diana there. Diana was described as human, however in this book, Diana was made immortal and changed.
One of the things that draw me to Sanders' books are the amazing artwork on the covers. I don't read all the books in the series, but what I have read, I enjoyed immensely.
We meet Diana (The Huntress) who is human and living near the edge of a forest. It is a post apolyptic state for earth and Diana supplements her food items with game caught in her traps. Diana leaves gifts for the forest in return for her kill, thus cementing her relationship with The Forest.
Silvas aka Selvans is our Male protagonist and is actually a God masquarading as the King of the Forest. He is ancient: having lived for millenia. He is also arrogant, jaded and somewhat lost. He has eschewed his responsibilities to the forest which is now a reflection of his state of being. It is in a bad state! For a God, he is pretty stupid as far as I am concerned. He somehow got entangled with a Dryad who shared his bed for a few centuries and she succeeded in sucking the life out of him. For some strange reason, after casting her aside, he let her remain in his Palace or Arx as it is known. Silvas blames Alseida for his lack of trust and doesn't accept his own part.
Diana inadvertently crosses over from the human realm to the magical forest after being pursued by a horrific creature. Silvas is alerted to the presence of this creature who is called Cacus. He finds Diana and of course, using the device of smell, Silvas is attracted to Diana. His sense of intuition is flawed and he doesn't trust Diana.
Silvas is a hard character to like in the first half of the book. He has no notion of love, affection and displays of affection. He realises that Diana is part of his destiny and is not too happy about learning that she is his bondmate. There definitely isn't any love between them when they join and Diana is aware of his coldness about any relationship. He struggles to deal with his emotions around this knowledge and it is an inopportune time to be investigating them. The forest is in a crisis and it is tied in with the Cacus. So we have an epic road/mountain trip as well as the inevitable parting of Diana and Silvas, who has blocked her (much like a Facebook blocking! LOL) However, Fate has other plans and Silvas must come crashing down. Sanders' female characters are always strong at heart and Diana was no exception. She was brave in battle and brave in her dealing with Silvas when he returned. She gave no quarter and Silvas had to win her trust.
There was a continuity problem that arose for me. I had read Aquilo's story first and was introduced to Silvas/Selvans and Diana there. Diana was described as human, however in this book, Diana was made immortal and changed.
One of the things that draw me to Sanders' books are the amazing artwork on the covers. I don't read all the books in the series, but what I have read, I enjoyed immensely.
July 30, 2023
Quick Blurb
When a huntress finds herself lost within the trenches of the magical forest inhabited by the creatures who invaded her world years ago she is taken under the protection of its king and ruler, with a dark brewing evil encroaching on the lifeline of the forest and the love goddess playing match maker between her son and his huntress the new story set in post-apocalyptic/dystopian earth is more enthralling then its predecessor and opens up a plethora of questions and new characters to get to know.
5 Stars - [9/10]
What I liked
Sanders is definitely going to be one of my favourite authors for a long time, they seem to put so much effort and detail into their stories despite them being restricted in terms of the books set in this specific world. I was intrigued when I began with ‘havoc of souls’ and didn’t think the second story would deliver as hard as the first one did but boy was, I surprised. Sanders weaves a new sort of deity system based loosely on systems we are already used to seeing in novels e.g., Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson. There was a lot of horror elements subtly thrown into the fantasy and mythical setting which starkly contrasted ‘Havoc of Souls’ that though had elements of mythical and fantasy nuances was mainly apocalyptic and horror driven. Sanders succeeds in delivering what they had intended with this duology they perfectly complimented so many genres of writing in a way that actually worked and was not overly messy or unneeded. The ending of there novels as usual finish off in way that leaves you waiting in anticipation for the next couple in the verse I hope Sanders chooses to expand this universe because it would definitely be something I would read more then once.
What I did not like
Selvans was a bit annoying for an MMC he seemed like the overly dominating male lead in most monster romancers but he kind of overdid his role in this one he definitely made up with all the grovelling and pining, Diana our FMC was also very underwhelming in many parts unlike the FMC of the first book I imagine Diana was supposed to come off as a strong tactical female lead archetype but she was for better words a Mary Sue with an ornamental bow and arrow. She definitely had development towards the end but was helpless throughout the majority of the book due to her ‘human weakness’ lol the way the magical beings speak about humans never ceases to make me laugh. I feel like the OWD was minor but also unnecessary, but I can sense it was there for the drama.
Overall Opinions
Again, I can’t say how much I adore Sanders work and look forward to reading more from them in the future well worth the time to read when your in a slump or want something different or just a combination of different genres.
When a huntress finds herself lost within the trenches of the magical forest inhabited by the creatures who invaded her world years ago she is taken under the protection of its king and ruler, with a dark brewing evil encroaching on the lifeline of the forest and the love goddess playing match maker between her son and his huntress the new story set in post-apocalyptic/dystopian earth is more enthralling then its predecessor and opens up a plethora of questions and new characters to get to know.
5 Stars - [9/10]
What I liked
Sanders is definitely going to be one of my favourite authors for a long time, they seem to put so much effort and detail into their stories despite them being restricted in terms of the books set in this specific world. I was intrigued when I began with ‘havoc of souls’ and didn’t think the second story would deliver as hard as the first one did but boy was, I surprised. Sanders weaves a new sort of deity system based loosely on systems we are already used to seeing in novels e.g., Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson. There was a lot of horror elements subtly thrown into the fantasy and mythical setting which starkly contrasted ‘Havoc of Souls’ that though had elements of mythical and fantasy nuances was mainly apocalyptic and horror driven. Sanders succeeds in delivering what they had intended with this duology they perfectly complimented so many genres of writing in a way that actually worked and was not overly messy or unneeded. The ending of there novels as usual finish off in way that leaves you waiting in anticipation for the next couple in the verse I hope Sanders chooses to expand this universe because it would definitely be something I would read more then once.
What I did not like
Selvans was a bit annoying for an MMC he seemed like the overly dominating male lead in most monster romancers but he kind of overdid his role in this one he definitely made up with all the grovelling and pining, Diana our FMC was also very underwhelming in many parts unlike the FMC of the first book I imagine Diana was supposed to come off as a strong tactical female lead archetype but she was for better words a Mary Sue with an ornamental bow and arrow. She definitely had development towards the end but was helpless throughout the majority of the book due to her ‘human weakness’ lol the way the magical beings speak about humans never ceases to make me laugh. I feel like the OWD was minor but also unnecessary, but I can sense it was there for the drama.
Overall Opinions
Again, I can’t say how much I adore Sanders work and look forward to reading more from them in the future well worth the time to read when your in a slump or want something different or just a combination of different genres.
September 30, 2022
As expected, I enjoyed Silvas quite a bit, even if he was a little insufferable at times in his shortsightedness. He was more up my alley than Charu. (Sorry Charu!) I also really enjoyed Diana and enjoyed the side/main characters for the most part, even ones that appeared briefly. I would have happily read a longer book that included a bit more of those side characters, honestly. I was excited the end of the book stated there would be a future spin-off series but I couldn't find the specific one promised.
The plot is alright and feels pretty straight forward at first (especially with tasks conveniently laid out by an oracle) but there's a bit of a change up thrown in there as well. I was delighted with the way the relationship between Silvas and Diana had grown by the end of the book as it leveled out to something more sweet, earnest, and comfortable than driven by lust.
Overall, this also felt less heavy than Havoc of Souls despite a similar theme of destruction and taking place after the events of Havoc of Souls. There just overall felt like there was more an undertone of hope and good things to come in this one compared to the first book.
ETA: I'm adding that something is still bugging me a couple weeks after finishing the book. There was a glaring inconsistency that's especially frustrating because it could have been so easily explained or handled better.
The plot is alright and feels pretty straight forward at first (especially with tasks conveniently laid out by an oracle) but there's a bit of a change up thrown in there as well. I was delighted with the way the relationship between Silvas and Diana had grown by the end of the book as it leveled out to something more sweet, earnest, and comfortable than driven by lust.
Overall, this also felt less heavy than Havoc of Souls despite a similar theme of destruction and taking place after the events of Havoc of Souls. There just overall felt like there was more an undertone of hope and good things to come in this one compared to the first book.
ETA: I'm adding that something is still bugging me a couple weeks after finishing the book. There was a glaring inconsistency that's especially frustrating because it could have been so easily explained or handled better.
April 10, 2021
That cover sucked me in.
I probably would have enjoyed this book more if I had read book 1. There are many references to the events in book 1 that are not fully elaborated on in this book. That didn't take away from the story too much, it just would have help contextually with the setting.
Silvas and Diana made no sense together for 90% of this book. There was not much relationship development, which you can get away with when a magical bond cements the characters together. The author made up for the rushed romance and by the end I believed their relationship.
The world is unique and the story line is engaging. Side characters and their connection to the forest was fascinating. There is potential for so much more that could come out of this universe.
The story itself was a little slow at times and I wasn't dying to find out what happened next. This book was one that I could set down without wondering what I was missing out on. Overall it was a good read.
Did I mention that cover?
I probably would have enjoyed this book more if I had read book 1. There are many references to the events in book 1 that are not fully elaborated on in this book. That didn't take away from the story too much, it just would have help contextually with the setting.
Silvas and Diana made no sense together for 90% of this book. There was not much relationship development, which you can get away with when a magical bond cements the characters together. The author made up for the rushed romance and by the end I believed their relationship.
The world is unique and the story line is engaging. Side characters and their connection to the forest was fascinating. There is potential for so much more that could come out of this universe.
The story itself was a little slow at times and I wasn't dying to find out what happened next. This book was one that I could set down without wondering what I was missing out on. Overall it was a good read.
Did I mention that cover?
July 8, 2022
Not your typical romance
The writing in this book was great and kept me entertained. The "Hero" however made me want to scream!!! I don't feel like he was sorry enough. I won't say more as I don't want to give any spoilers in this section.
**********Spoilers ************
Someone wrote a review that Selvans had other mates but that isn't true. He had lovers but no mate before Diana. They also put in their review that her lifespan was less than his would be and that again isn't true since she was no longer human. They correctly reviewed that he was not a great person. He could never be sorry enough for what he did and how he treated Diana. She forgave him WAY WAY to easily. She about died multiple times because of him. It just made me so mad at how easily she forgave him ugh
The writing in this book was great and kept me entertained. The "Hero" however made me want to scream!!! I don't feel like he was sorry enough. I won't say more as I don't want to give any spoilers in this section.
**********Spoilers ************
Someone wrote a review that Selvans had other mates but that isn't true. He had lovers but no mate before Diana. They also put in their review that her lifespan was less than his would be and that again isn't true since she was no longer human. They correctly reviewed that he was not a great person. He could never be sorry enough for what he did and how he treated Diana. She forgave him WAY WAY to easily. She about died multiple times because of him. It just made me so mad at how easily she forgave him ugh
June 17, 2020
This book reads like a saga. Get comfy because it will take you on quite a journey. Silvas is the king of the Eternal Forest. And when Diana wanders into his forest she will never return home as the same person. Cacus, and ancient evil, is destroying everything and Silvas' fate is entwined with Diana's. Along the way they journey to recover the sword of Nocis which they need to conquer Cacus. You'll meet my favorite troll, Raskyuil, and get a ride on some awesome crocotta. Diana doesn't expect to come to love her captor, but that's just what happens along the way. I don't want to give anything away, but I will say that there's so much more to this story than I imagined at the beginning. Very enjoyable read. Sanders has fashioned a fabulous tale in Forest of Spirits! 4 stars!
June 30, 2020
Wonderful addition
This story was so captivating for both dimensions. The dull human world you could feel their struggle to survive after their fall. The fae and spirit world you could feel the illusion of contentment slip as the corrupt slowly started to eat away at it. A once beautiful thriving forest falling prey to the darkness long ago trapped now free to eat, corrode, and corrupt. The story held alot of heart and feeling. The characters were enchantingly crafted with depths of emotion and passion. There were moments of horrible creatures and nightmarish monsters. Love and loss. Action and adventure. A great addition to any book dragon's horde
This story was so captivating for both dimensions. The dull human world you could feel their struggle to survive after their fall. The fae and spirit world you could feel the illusion of contentment slip as the corrupt slowly started to eat away at it. A once beautiful thriving forest falling prey to the darkness long ago trapped now free to eat, corrode, and corrupt. The story held alot of heart and feeling. The characters were enchantingly crafted with depths of emotion and passion. There were moments of horrible creatures and nightmarish monsters. Love and loss. Action and adventure. A great addition to any book dragon's horde
October 4, 2020
Romantic Fantasy with lot mythology
I liked this book better than the first book in this series. Great build up of story, throw in a lot mythology creatures. Is a lot of action, drama, fighting and romance. The writer tells a great book, in back is definitions of words, places and creatures mentioned in the book. Diana shows that even though she is not in Kansas anymore she can adapt and gives Silvas a run. Great romance book. Definitely will watch out for her books.
I liked this book better than the first book in this series. Great build up of story, throw in a lot mythology creatures. Is a lot of action, drama, fighting and romance. The writer tells a great book, in back is definitions of words, places and creatures mentioned in the book. Diana shows that even though she is not in Kansas anymore she can adapt and gives Silvas a run. Great romance book. Definitely will watch out for her books.
March 4, 2021
Oh so good! I cannot get enough S.J.Sanders stories. Bright, imaginative, fresh and fun to read. Her heros are not cookie cutter aliens or Gods. If you can truly love someone despite their differences then it's true love. I've read quite a few of her books and can say that I never read one I did not like. Her monsters are really monsters. Her world building is fantastic. Pick one and keep on picking is my recommendation.
May 23, 2021
My favorite author and book
I've purchased many books from Kindle, and this is my very favorite. I've read it at least ten times, and continue to love it
As much as the first time.
The words and story flow. The characters warm my heart, and I feel a part of Diana's and Silva's story.
Romance, adventure, sinister plots, happiness and sadness. You Won't want their story to end.
I've purchased many books from Kindle, and this is my very favorite. I've read it at least ten times, and continue to love it
As much as the first time.
The words and story flow. The characters warm my heart, and I feel a part of Diana's and Silva's story.
Romance, adventure, sinister plots, happiness and sadness. You Won't want their story to end.
June 8, 2022
MY FAVORITE BOOK!!!!!
I loved this book!!! Met by glance in Havoc of Souls and loved him!! Diana is such a wonderful character, but so is Rayaskuil and I’ve been looking for his story for over a year!! Dangerous Monsters!! We get The Lupercalia first?! I’m still lover of all books SJ Sanders, but NOT HAPPY w/being told one thing & getting another!! Although like everything else these days everyone is turning into a liar.
I loved this book!!! Met by glance in Havoc of Souls and loved him!! Diana is such a wonderful character, but so is Rayaskuil and I’ve been looking for his story for over a year!! Dangerous Monsters!! We get The Lupercalia first?! I’m still lover of all books SJ Sanders, but NOT HAPPY w/being told one thing & getting another!! Although like everything else these days everyone is turning into a liar.
June 15, 2020
A fascinating story!
Although it is dark, with hard-to-imagine terrors, the story contains a delicious, divine tale of attraction and love eternal. It seems to me that gods must endure more difficulties than other beings to reach their HEA. But then, “with great power, there is also great responsibility.” It is never wise to ignore that responsibility. Vastly entertaining!
Although it is dark, with hard-to-imagine terrors, the story contains a delicious, divine tale of attraction and love eternal. It seems to me that gods must endure more difficulties than other beings to reach their HEA. But then, “with great power, there is also great responsibility.” It is never wise to ignore that responsibility. Vastly entertaining!
June 20, 2020
You Won't Put it Down!
This story will keep you glued to the pages!
Humanity has botched it again and civilization has crumbled. All the beings from our fairy tales are now back in the shrouded forests.
Diana, out hunting, is made fully aware of the dangers in her neck of the woods when she encounters Silvas, the king of the entire forest.
Silvas has been bored for centuries until he comes across Diana, who piques his interest like no other.
A dastardly evil entity starts a war, denizens of the forest band together, almost all is lost, and Silvas learns that love can be found in the most strangest of places!
S.J. Sanders has once again built a world of believable fantasy filled with characters you're going to love, or dislike, intensely,!
This story will keep you glued to the pages!
Humanity has botched it again and civilization has crumbled. All the beings from our fairy tales are now back in the shrouded forests.
Diana, out hunting, is made fully aware of the dangers in her neck of the woods when she encounters Silvas, the king of the entire forest.
Silvas has been bored for centuries until he comes across Diana, who piques his interest like no other.
A dastardly evil entity starts a war, denizens of the forest band together, almost all is lost, and Silvas learns that love can be found in the most strangest of places!
S.J. Sanders has once again built a world of believable fantasy filled with characters you're going to love, or dislike, intensely,!
June 16, 2020
Love it! True to form. Sanders released another great book. This book 2 in her dark spirits series a character mentioned briefly in book 1 get his HEA. The heroine of the book was Diana and kicked but. Silvas was adorably annoying to extremely annoying to back to being adorably annoying. In other words he was a well written awesome character. I definitely recommend this great book.
June 20, 2020
Such a amazing freaking story. Storyline kept me captivated from start to finish. Like I seriously didn’t want this book to end. SJ Sanders did phenomenal work on this story. Absolutely love all her stories but this one might just be my favorite. Definitely a must read book. Highly recommend reading all her books you will absolutely love them.
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