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The Soul Summoner #1
The Soul Summoner
Blessed–or cursed–with a connection to the souls of others, Sloan Jordan can see the best in people… and the worst. For twenty-seven years, she's kept her ability a secret, but eleven young women have been murdered in the mountains of North Carolina, and Sloan may be the only hope of finding their killer.
She has just agreed to help Detective Nathan McNamara with the case, when a stranger—who is as alluring as he is terrifying—shows up at her doorstep with a dark past and another puzzling mystery: she can't see his soul at all.
Now Sloan is on the hunt for a deadly psychopath with two irresistible men. One of them would die for her, and the other would kill to keep her safe.
She has just agreed to help Detective Nathan McNamara with the case, when a stranger—who is as alluring as he is terrifying—shows up at her doorstep with a dark past and another puzzling mystery: she can't see his soul at all.
Now Sloan is on the hunt for a deadly psychopath with two irresistible men. One of them would die for her, and the other would kill to keep her safe.
300 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2015
3472 people are currently reading
10510 people want to read
About the author
Elicia Hyder
28 books1,120 followersElicia Hyder is a bestselling author of paranormal suspense and contemporary romance. You can get a FREE eBOOK by clicking this link: Get The Detective for FREE.
When I'm not writing, I can be found sipping craft beer in my blow-up swimming pool or beating my children at Harry Potter ⚡ trivia. I am married to a superhero and have two dogs with severe separation anxiety. I suck at CAPTCHA puzzles and firmly believe that heaven will have heavy metal music. ✌
When I'm not writing, I can be found sipping craft beer in my blow-up swimming pool or beating my children at Harry Potter ⚡ trivia. I am married to a superhero and have two dogs with severe separation anxiety. I suck at CAPTCHA puzzles and firmly believe that heaven will have heavy metal music. ✌
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 751 reviews
April 3, 2025
I received a signed copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
✅ Funny moments
✅ Characters
✅ Pace
✅ Action and investigation
✅ Special powers
✅ Romance/kind of love triangle
✅ Kind of insta-attraction, but weirdly, it didn’t bother me
✅ Plot
_______________________
Second read: Still as entertaining, I forgot most of the plot in this series, so I am excited to rediscover it. All I remember is that it made me laugh out loud many times, and I love Warren and Nathan.
_______________________
Sloan Jordan has special abilities but no idea who or what she really is. She can read people’s souls and know if they’re good or bad, know if they’re alive or dead by just looking at their picture, and she can sometimes “summon” people just by talking about them. Sloan is happy with her career as a publicist for the county and her ordinary life until she gets drawn into sexy detective Nathan’s investigation after she accidentally reveals part of her abilities to him. As if one man who’s decided to barge into her life and turn everything upside down is not enough, Sloan also meets gorgeous and mysterious Warren a few weeks later. The thing is, she can’t get a read on Warren because, just like her, he has special abilities that are similar, yet opposite to hers.
The plot is not the most elaborate for an investigation/detective story, but the quick pace and length of the book make up for it. It was a quick and entertaining read that made me laugh out loud a few times. It has just the right amount of action, murder mystery, sass, funny moments, and romance. I also like the three main characters; they are funny and very easy to love, making it even easier to get invested in their story and their relationships. Their weird dynamic was also really funny at times, and a good laugh is always enjoyable.
Sloan is a funny and very relatable main character. She gets roped into a search for a missing child, and then Nathan manages to convince her to help him find a serial killer that has been active for over a decade, forcing her to spend a lot of time with Nathan. She is a “regular girl” besides her weird abilities, and I love how she ended up in embarrassing situations at times. What I also love about her is her sass and her no-bullshit attitude. She does not hesitate to let people know when they are acting like jerks, and she also always seems to have a funny retort or sassy remark ready, without making it over the top and annoying.
Nathan is the new cute, funny, sweet, and swoon-worthy detective working with Sloan. She does not usually get involved in police work, but he guilts her into helping him after realizing she has special abilities that could help him solve cases and save lives. Nathan is the perfect love interest. He is adorable, loyal, protective, and hot, but he sadly has a girlfriend, and by the time he realizes that he wants to be with Sloan and tries to make a move, she has met Warren already. The situation between them could have become awkward and tense, but Nathan is a great guy, and he wants Sloan to be happy in the end. He can continue to have a healthy friendship with her, despite his feelings and the fact that she is aware of his feelings. Their level of emotional maturity was refreshing, and it reminded me of why I tend to enjoy NA more than YA lately.
Warren crashed into Sloan’s life like a wrecking ball. Their attraction toward each other is instantaneous, yet it did not bother me because there was a kind of logical explanation to it. I am usually not a fan of insta-attraction or insta-love, but the way the author developed it between Warren and Sloan worked well for me. Their attraction and chemistry are obvious, and Warren’s intensity sure is hard to resist.
The romance in this book could be considered a love triangle, but not an annoying one. Both guys are obviously into Sloan, and she has feelings for both, but she made it clear who she wants to get involved with and does not string the other guy along... That much (he has a girlfriend already, anyway). They all know where they’re at, and they respect Sloan’s decision. I like that even though both guys weren’t on friendly terms at first, they were able to go from the full-testosterone-alpha-male to somewhat friends, and they managed to work together and have each other’s back when it was important. Even though they both love Sloan, they were able to act like grown-ups… While also insulting each other on the side.
I know that some readers disliked this book because there is not much character growth, and the plot is simple, but if you keep in mind that this is a light book that is not meant to be super complex and deep, it is quite enjoyable, and I can’t wait to read the next one!
0.5 The Detective ⭐⭐⭐
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✅ Funny moments
✅ Characters
✅ Pace
✅ Action and investigation
✅ Special powers
✅ Romance/kind of love triangle
✅ Kind of insta-attraction, but weirdly, it didn’t bother me
✅ Plot
_______________________
Second read: Still as entertaining, I forgot most of the plot in this series, so I am excited to rediscover it. All I remember is that it made me laugh out loud many times, and I love Warren and Nathan.
_______________________
Sloan Jordan has special abilities but no idea who or what she really is. She can read people’s souls and know if they’re good or bad, know if they’re alive or dead by just looking at their picture, and she can sometimes “summon” people just by talking about them. Sloan is happy with her career as a publicist for the county and her ordinary life until she gets drawn into sexy detective Nathan’s investigation after she accidentally reveals part of her abilities to him. As if one man who’s decided to barge into her life and turn everything upside down is not enough, Sloan also meets gorgeous and mysterious Warren a few weeks later. The thing is, she can’t get a read on Warren because, just like her, he has special abilities that are similar, yet opposite to hers.
The plot is not the most elaborate for an investigation/detective story, but the quick pace and length of the book make up for it. It was a quick and entertaining read that made me laugh out loud a few times. It has just the right amount of action, murder mystery, sass, funny moments, and romance. I also like the three main characters; they are funny and very easy to love, making it even easier to get invested in their story and their relationships. Their weird dynamic was also really funny at times, and a good laugh is always enjoyable.
Sloan is a funny and very relatable main character. She gets roped into a search for a missing child, and then Nathan manages to convince her to help him find a serial killer that has been active for over a decade, forcing her to spend a lot of time with Nathan. She is a “regular girl” besides her weird abilities, and I love how she ended up in embarrassing situations at times. What I also love about her is her sass and her no-bullshit attitude. She does not hesitate to let people know when they are acting like jerks, and she also always seems to have a funny retort or sassy remark ready, without making it over the top and annoying.
"You stayed with me all night?"
He winked an eye at me. "And slept in your bed."
"Warren's going to be so pissed," I told him.
"Warren threatened my life if I left you alone," he said.
"Really?" I asked surprised. He laughed and nodded his head.
"Yeah. First, I threatened to kill him. Now he's threatened to kill me. I think we've reached the first level of friendship."
I raised an eyebrow. "Friendship?"
Nathan is the new cute, funny, sweet, and swoon-worthy detective working with Sloan. She does not usually get involved in police work, but he guilts her into helping him after realizing she has special abilities that could help him solve cases and save lives. Nathan is the perfect love interest. He is adorable, loyal, protective, and hot, but he sadly has a girlfriend, and by the time he realizes that he wants to be with Sloan and tries to make a move, she has met Warren already. The situation between them could have become awkward and tense, but Nathan is a great guy, and he wants Sloan to be happy in the end. He can continue to have a healthy friendship with her, despite his feelings and the fact that she is aware of his feelings. Their level of emotional maturity was refreshing, and it reminded me of why I tend to enjoy NA more than YA lately.
He laughed and dropped a twenty dollar bill on the table before standing up. He wrapped his hand around mine. "You're so sexy when you're a raving lunatic. Let's go."
Warren crashed into Sloan’s life like a wrecking ball. Their attraction toward each other is instantaneous, yet it did not bother me because there was a kind of logical explanation to it. I am usually not a fan of insta-attraction or insta-love, but the way the author developed it between Warren and Sloan worked well for me. Their attraction and chemistry are obvious, and Warren’s intensity sure is hard to resist.
I shook my head. "This feels like the set up to a really bad, B-rated horror movie. 'A sniper, a detective, and a publicist go into the woods…'"
Nathan laughed behind me. "Or a really bad joke."
I peeked over my shoulder at him. "Speaking of really bad jokes, how's your girlfriend?"
He stuck his middle finger up in the air and I laughed.
The romance in this book could be considered a love triangle, but not an annoying one. Both guys are obviously into Sloan, and she has feelings for both, but she made it clear who she wants to get involved with and does not string the other guy along... That much (he has a girlfriend already, anyway). They all know where they’re at, and they respect Sloan’s decision. I like that even though both guys weren’t on friendly terms at first, they were able to go from the full-testosterone-alpha-male to somewhat friends, and they managed to work together and have each other’s back when it was important. Even though they both love Sloan, they were able to act like grown-ups… While also insulting each other on the side.
I know that some readers disliked this book because there is not much character growth, and the plot is simple, but if you keep in mind that this is a light book that is not meant to be super complex and deep, it is quite enjoyable, and I can’t wait to read the next one!
0.5 The Detective ⭐⭐⭐
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September 2, 2016
Have you ever been thinking about someone and Poof! There they are or they are suddenly calling or texting you? Is it coincidence, sheer luck? For Sloan Jordan, it is a secret she has kept hidden for years, she sees souls. When she thinks of someone or says their name, they are bound to show up in her life! Not only that, she can tell if a person is good or bad, alive or dead. Her “gift” comes with a cost, migraines, drained energy and having to watch what she says. Her gift is a positive one that seems to be growing, too.
If you‘ve got “the power,” use it, but only for good and that is exactly what Jordan does when she aids the handsome detective, Nathan McNamara with a case involving the murders of eleven young women. Can Jordan help find the killer?
When a mysterious stranger comes to her door, his soul is a blank to Sloan, but he knows who she is and what she can do, because for all of her lightness, he carries darkness, and finding the dead or the evil is his gift. Two men, one heartbreaking case and not enough Jordan to go around as she finds her heart being drawn to both men. One accepts her abilities because he needs her help, the other knows how she feels to be different. Is it possible she can finally find love with one of these strong and possessive men? Are they even available? First things first, a killer must be caught…
The Soul Summoner by Elicia Hyder is part murder mystery, part lopsided love triangle and paranormal intrigue. Flavored with a dash of humor, brilliant dialogue that adds to the realism of this tale, from start to finish, Elicia Hyder has a spellbinding read that defies being pigeon-holed into only one genre, but is guaranteed to entertain from start to finish!
Ms. Hyder’s easy going style is engaging, her world is alive and her characters are priceless!
Series: The Soul Summoner - Book 1
Publication Date: November 4, 2015
Publisher: Elicia Hyder
Genre: Paranormal Suspense
Print Length: 311 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
If you‘ve got “the power,” use it, but only for good and that is exactly what Jordan does when she aids the handsome detective, Nathan McNamara with a case involving the murders of eleven young women. Can Jordan help find the killer?
When a mysterious stranger comes to her door, his soul is a blank to Sloan, but he knows who she is and what she can do, because for all of her lightness, he carries darkness, and finding the dead or the evil is his gift. Two men, one heartbreaking case and not enough Jordan to go around as she finds her heart being drawn to both men. One accepts her abilities because he needs her help, the other knows how she feels to be different. Is it possible she can finally find love with one of these strong and possessive men? Are they even available? First things first, a killer must be caught…
The Soul Summoner by Elicia Hyder is part murder mystery, part lopsided love triangle and paranormal intrigue. Flavored with a dash of humor, brilliant dialogue that adds to the realism of this tale, from start to finish, Elicia Hyder has a spellbinding read that defies being pigeon-holed into only one genre, but is guaranteed to entertain from start to finish!
Ms. Hyder’s easy going style is engaging, her world is alive and her characters are priceless!
Series: The Soul Summoner - Book 1
Publication Date: November 4, 2015
Publisher: Elicia Hyder
Genre: Paranormal Suspense
Print Length: 311 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
April 13, 2020
The Soul Summoner
By: Elicia Hyder
Narrated by: Brittany Pressley
Series: The Soul Summoner Series, Book 1
This book follows a gal that can look at a picture and tell if they are dead or living. A cop is working on a serial killer case and finds out she can do this. Boy does her life change! Then she meets someone like her only opposite. Both are orphans, are they related? It is an interesting romp of romance, a serial killer, supernatural abilities, and friendships. Unpredictable and exciting!
Narration was terrific!
By: Elicia Hyder
Narrated by: Brittany Pressley
Series: The Soul Summoner Series, Book 1
This book follows a gal that can look at a picture and tell if they are dead or living. A cop is working on a serial killer case and finds out she can do this. Boy does her life change! Then she meets someone like her only opposite. Both are orphans, are they related? It is an interesting romp of romance, a serial killer, supernatural abilities, and friendships. Unpredictable and exciting!
Narration was terrific!
April 7, 2019
Oh boy, I can't even explain clearly without too much gibberish of how much I love this book. In its own wicked way, this book has bewitched me. I mean seriously my thoughts are tongue-tied that I won't be able to properly articulate my feelings for a proper review.
Just note this book was engaging, suspenseful, intriguing, intense, with just a bit of passion.
I would say that the only thing this book was lacking and the author missed an opportunity to make this book better was she didn't give us details on the kisses nor the sex scenes. I mean she didn't have to give raunchy details but it could have been tasteful and kept with the flow of the book.
I don't know about anyone else that has read this book or that will read it in the future but it gave off some freaky vibes that were personal to me and I'm going to leave it at that.
New Entry: As of 4/1/2019: This review will still remain the same as far as the shortcoming of this book however I must say I still enjoyed it.
4.8*- So Good
Just note this book was engaging, suspenseful, intriguing, intense, with just a bit of passion.
I would say that the only thing this book was lacking and the author missed an opportunity to make this book better was she didn't give us details on the kisses nor the sex scenes. I mean she didn't have to give raunchy details but it could have been tasteful and kept with the flow of the book.
I don't know about anyone else that has read this book or that will read it in the future but it gave off some freaky vibes that were personal to me and I'm going to leave it at that.
New Entry: As of 4/1/2019: This review will still remain the same as far as the shortcoming of this book however I must say I still enjoyed it.
4.8*- So Good
March 10, 2019
Good premise ruined by an immature, bitchy, completely unlikeable heroine who justifies stringing another woman’s man along because her boyfriend choose the OW in high school (which was 10 yrs prior). Oh and the kicker...the “real” hero shows up around 50% and the heroine chooses him BUT continues to string the other man along simply because she can (and wants to punish the OW)....granted the other guy wasn’t that great as he sat in a room and let the heroine and her friend make fun of his girlfriend without defending her. Yup, the woman he’s sleeping with is - and has been for months - being bad mouthed by a woman who choose another man over him and he does NOTHING...super great people!! 🤨
February 23, 2017
I thought the premise behind the book was very interesting and would make for a good read. Unfortunately, I just did not connect with Sloan. I found the overall tone of the book to be juvenile and superficial. I was hoping that as the story progressed, we would see some growth in Sloan and her relationship with Nathan, instead we were introduced to Warren. I felt like the relationship with Warren could only be bad news, especially with their reactions to one another. I was surprised that Sloan and Warren did not even consider that their responses could be a negative thing. Overall the book was promising, I am mildly curious to see what the ideology behind Sloan and Warren's relationship is, but I am just not sure I can suffer through the immaturity of the characters and the love triangle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2017
Sloan Jordan is either blessed or cursed. She has a 'gift' ,, of sorts. She can determine if someone is alive or dead by just looking at a picture. She can determine from the living if they are 'good' or 'bad'. She calls it looking at their souls.
Detective Nathan McNamara learns what Sloane's secret is. He's not quite sure if he believes her, but he's been working on a case for years. Eleven women have gone missing, never to be seen again. Nathan wants/needs Sloan to help him determine where they are and who took them.
Sloane sees a stranger ... who she is immediately drawn to. She can't read soul .. which has never happened to her before. When he shows up at her house, she finds that he also has a dark past and a secret similar to hers.
"Now Sloan is on the hunt for a deadly psychopath with two irresistible men. One of them would die for her, and the other would kill to keep her safe." (From Book Blurb)
It's not absolutely necessary, but I would recommend reading THE DETECTIVE, a short story that introduces these two main characters. This series has a little bit of everything ... murder, suspense, mystery, a touch of paranormal, romance. The characters are well defined and I like seeing a bit of personal history from each of them.
This was well-written. There is no cliff-hanger, but it does have a hint of what's to come in the next book ... THE SIREN.
No spoilers .... but I would be remiss if I did not mention how much I enjoyed the very last line in this book.
Many thanks to the author for providing the digital copy of this novel. The opinion expressed here is unbiased and entirely my own.
Detective Nathan McNamara learns what Sloane's secret is. He's not quite sure if he believes her, but he's been working on a case for years. Eleven women have gone missing, never to be seen again. Nathan wants/needs Sloan to help him determine where they are and who took them.
Sloane sees a stranger ... who she is immediately drawn to. She can't read soul .. which has never happened to her before. When he shows up at her house, she finds that he also has a dark past and a secret similar to hers.
"Now Sloan is on the hunt for a deadly psychopath with two irresistible men. One of them would die for her, and the other would kill to keep her safe." (From Book Blurb)
It's not absolutely necessary, but I would recommend reading THE DETECTIVE, a short story that introduces these two main characters. This series has a little bit of everything ... murder, suspense, mystery, a touch of paranormal, romance. The characters are well defined and I like seeing a bit of personal history from each of them.
This was well-written. There is no cliff-hanger, but it does have a hint of what's to come in the next book ... THE SIREN.
No spoilers .... but I would be remiss if I did not mention how much I enjoyed the very last line in this book.
Many thanks to the author for providing the digital copy of this novel. The opinion expressed here is unbiased and entirely my own.
November 15, 2016
I felt this book was a cross between several others I'd read - the premise was good, but the execution was really juvenile. The characters acted like teenagers not the responsible adults they supposedly were. The amount of times they shouted hysterically was grating, in particular the supposed intelligent cop. The ending was insane - two weeks after being shot/abducted/tortured they were just giggling about it? The reactions from the characters were so unrealistic I just couldn't get attached at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2018
The title and blurb for this book are misleading there are no souls summoned. The premise had promise but there was too much "crush" behavior (hitting and sticking tongues out) for late 20's adults. Was this supposed to be a YA novel with shallow characters?
It also dragged on and on with a dull romantic interest then pivoted to a love triangle in the end. Not interested.
It also dragged on and on with a dull romantic interest then pivoted to a love triangle in the end. Not interested.
November 6, 2015
Holy. Freaking. Cow. I LOVED this book! Even days after finishing it I would find myself wanting to read it. Like I hadn't finished it. I just wanted more. I wanted to stay lost in this book for a lot longer! Also, I'm not one to comment much on the actual writing style. I guess I just don't feel like I know enough to comment on it. I either like a book or I don't (writing style wise) but this was one that I would read something and would really think that was really clever of her to write it like that. Or that I would connect with the particular way she described something or had it play out. So I'm definitely a fan of the writing style.
I loved Sloan. LOVED. She has a personality I really truly connected with. She has this weird ability of 'knowing' people and she's reluctant to help with solving any crimes or getting involved in any way. But when she realizes she can help she really jumps in with both feet, anxious to help where she can. She's a true friend and has a fantastic personality that really shines in the book.
I also loved Nathan and the stranger mentioned in the description. I don't want to give anything away so I need to be vague here but the characters in this book are extremely well done. They have personalities that really shine through and bring them alive, making them people I feel I really actually know.
The romance. Wow. I'm head over heels for this romance. It's not the romance you expect from the beginning. And if I knew some of the things that it entailed I would have probably thought I wouldn't like it. So I'm actually glad I went in not knowing because I loved it. I mean seriously, it was perfection. But I want MORE. I want the book to go on forever because I just want to spend more time with these characters. Really, I love them that much. I just want to be with them, even if it's mundane activities.
I read this book almost completely in one sitting. Once I started reading I couldn't stop. I just wanted to soak it all up as fast as I could. And then of course I wanted more. I'm definitely anxious for more and I know I'll be anxious to read anything this author writes. I'm definitely a fan!
I loved Sloan. LOVED. She has a personality I really truly connected with. She has this weird ability of 'knowing' people and she's reluctant to help with solving any crimes or getting involved in any way. But when she realizes she can help she really jumps in with both feet, anxious to help where she can. She's a true friend and has a fantastic personality that really shines in the book.
I also loved Nathan and the stranger mentioned in the description. I don't want to give anything away so I need to be vague here but the characters in this book are extremely well done. They have personalities that really shine through and bring them alive, making them people I feel I really actually know.
The romance. Wow. I'm head over heels for this romance. It's not the romance you expect from the beginning. And if I knew some of the things that it entailed I would have probably thought I wouldn't like it. So I'm actually glad I went in not knowing because I loved it. I mean seriously, it was perfection. But I want MORE. I want the book to go on forever because I just want to spend more time with these characters. Really, I love them that much. I just want to be with them, even if it's mundane activities.
I read this book almost completely in one sitting. Once I started reading I couldn't stop. I just wanted to soak it all up as fast as I could. And then of course I wanted more. I'm definitely anxious for more and I know I'll be anxious to read anything this author writes. I'm definitely a fan!
December 28, 2015
This was amazing!
I haven't laughed in such a long time in a murder mystery with a love triangle. Usually those things are beyond intense, and one love interest with bodies falling like flies is enough on a girl, but Sloan's got two and ten.
The writing was great with Sloan's POV and her angst about people finding out what she can do felt so realistic, especially with the responses she got. That's why I loved it even more when she handled it like a boss, and took it with a grace that had nothing on her gift of... er, collecting? It's so important for me to get into a book, and I fell right through, reading til my eyelids gave out and finishing up as soon as I woke up. It was that good.
The murder mystery was interesting with all the different characters coming and going, but I loved the connection between Sloan and Warren. So much going on with that; I love how smoothly it was delivered. Not once was I nervous about their relationship, and I definitely didn't have any bad feelings when she was with Nathan. If you can create a (and I use this word lightly) multiple relationship among two guys and still make it all work harmoniously and stuff, you are a writing deity.
On top of the murder and sexy men, I also enjoyed seeing Sloan's struggles with wanting a normal life she worked hard for and doing what was right. At times I got annoyed (just once, I swear) but her best friend, Adrienne, was right there to clear it all up for her (Bless you, Adrienne). The characters were all adorable with enough presence to move the story along and bring the story itself out of the love-triangle situation and back into the case. Nathan and Warren were so genuine that I honestly had a hard time choosing one in the beginning.
This story is filled with so many awesome things, a mystery with a creepy set of guys to point fingers at, a party-hardy best friend, hot guys who mean well, love, and the type of fear that one's brain can only attempt to put a face to if it means sleeping a little better at night... or not.
A seriously definite recommend. You'll be missing out on thrills and laughs.
I haven't laughed in such a long time in a murder mystery with a love triangle. Usually those things are beyond intense, and one love interest with bodies falling like flies is enough on a girl, but Sloan's got two and ten.
The writing was great with Sloan's POV and her angst about people finding out what she can do felt so realistic, especially with the responses she got. That's why I loved it even more when she handled it like a boss, and took it with a grace that had nothing on her gift of... er, collecting? It's so important for me to get into a book, and I fell right through, reading til my eyelids gave out and finishing up as soon as I woke up. It was that good.
The murder mystery was interesting with all the different characters coming and going, but I loved the connection between Sloan and Warren. So much going on with that; I love how smoothly it was delivered. Not once was I nervous about their relationship, and I definitely didn't have any bad feelings when she was with Nathan. If you can create a (and I use this word lightly) multiple relationship among two guys and still make it all work harmoniously and stuff, you are a writing deity.
On top of the murder and sexy men, I also enjoyed seeing Sloan's struggles with wanting a normal life she worked hard for and doing what was right. At times I got annoyed (just once, I swear) but her best friend, Adrienne, was right there to clear it all up for her (Bless you, Adrienne). The characters were all adorable with enough presence to move the story along and bring the story itself out of the love-triangle situation and back into the case. Nathan and Warren were so genuine that I honestly had a hard time choosing one in the beginning.
This story is filled with so many awesome things, a mystery with a creepy set of guys to point fingers at, a party-hardy best friend, hot guys who mean well, love, and the type of fear that one's brain can only attempt to put a face to if it means sleeping a little better at night... or not.
A seriously definite recommend. You'll be missing out on thrills and laughs.
September 26, 2018
Suprisingly good for a free Kindle book! The characters are likable and the plot was well paced and engrossing. Based on the cover I was expecting more paranormal/urban fantasy, but I was happy to discover that it was actually mostly murder mystery. It had the potential to be five stars, until the middle of the book where a love triangle appeared out of nowhere. Whomp.
Although I have the Kindle ebook, I chose to listen to the audiobook because it was narrated by one of my favorites. It was so enjoyable that I'm looking forward to listening to the whole series on audio in the future.
Although I have the Kindle ebook, I chose to listen to the audiobook because it was narrated by one of my favorites. It was so enjoyable that I'm looking forward to listening to the whole series on audio in the future.
November 7, 2016
I couldn't finish this book. In all honestly I only read for first 5 chapters and had to stop. The main character was constantly on the verge of tears or crying. The story also felt like it was talking at me vs carrying me along to get wonderfully caught up in the story.
May 22, 2016
I received a free copy from the author for an honest review
This book was a better read than what I was expecting. The start was a bit slow but then it went on to become a smooth read. I wouldn't exactly call it a fantasy because the only fantastical aspect was the protagonists' powers. Otherwise it was a normal who did it read.
The characters were well formed. Sloan was a contradiction of sorts. She was a strong character and I loved her struggle to get involved in the case or not. Nathan was a likeable character at the start then I disliked him for a while but then he again became a cool character at the end. He took me on quite a journey. Warren absolutely blew my mind. He is my type of hero - strong and silent.
The story progressed well and the identity of the antagonist was a total surprise. The author played it well. The story kept my attention throughout the book with the various twists and turns.
The romance part had me guessing at every turn. I was so sure who the hero was but then the story turned into a competition of sorts. The scenes were fun and funny.
In short, I can see myself reading more of this author's books.
My one line review : A surprisingly attention grabbing book
My rating : 4.5/5
My reread factor : 3/5
This book was a better read than what I was expecting. The start was a bit slow but then it went on to become a smooth read. I wouldn't exactly call it a fantasy because the only fantastical aspect was the protagonists' powers. Otherwise it was a normal who did it read.
The characters were well formed. Sloan was a contradiction of sorts. She was a strong character and I loved her struggle to get involved in the case or not. Nathan was a likeable character at the start then I disliked him for a while but then he again became a cool character at the end. He took me on quite a journey. Warren absolutely blew my mind. He is my type of hero - strong and silent.
The story progressed well and the identity of the antagonist was a total surprise. The author played it well. The story kept my attention throughout the book with the various twists and turns.
The romance part had me guessing at every turn. I was so sure who the hero was but then the story turned into a competition of sorts. The scenes were fun and funny.
In short, I can see myself reading more of this author's books.
My one line review : A surprisingly attention grabbing book
My rating : 4.5/5
My reread factor : 3/5
December 31, 2017
I've had The Soul Summoner on my TBR list for a long time. It kept getting pushed down and looked over. I'm glad I finally read it. I loved this book. It was fun, exciting, interesting, and there was mystery.
This book has adult characters but would be fine for the YA audience. There was kissing and then a single scene of glossed over sex. Like they went to bed and it fades black and picks back up after the fact. That's not typically my preference because I love seeing romantic aspects and good sexy time scenes, but it really worked in this book. I didn't miss it at all.
I loved all the characters. Sloan, Nathan, Warren, and Adrianne, Sloan's parents, all of them. Great characters!!
I'm excited about this series and looking forward to continuing on to book 2 next.
Audible: I added the whispersync audible narration to this Kindle book. The narrator was good. Hopefully the rest of the books in the series share the same narrator.
This book has adult characters but would be fine for the YA audience. There was kissing and then a single scene of glossed over sex. Like they went to bed and it fades black and picks back up after the fact. That's not typically my preference because I love seeing romantic aspects and good sexy time scenes, but it really worked in this book. I didn't miss it at all.
I loved all the characters. Sloan, Nathan, Warren, and Adrianne, Sloan's parents, all of them. Great characters!!
I'm excited about this series and looking forward to continuing on to book 2 next.
Audible: I added the whispersync audible narration to this Kindle book. The narrator was good. Hopefully the rest of the books in the series share the same narrator.
March 20, 2018
The Soul Summoner (Soul Summoner #1) by Elicia Hyder
Suspenseful and imaginative, the story takes off quickly and draws the reader along a dark path of intrigue. The heroine uses her abilities to help search for a killer. When a stranger approaches, their touch sets off electric sparks that raise more questions.
A thriller that I read in mostly one sitting. I didn't want to put it down. Just a touch of wry humor, a bit more of romance and a fast-paced serial killer mystery that I knew was going to be knocking at the heroine's door at any moment.
I will be going directly to the next book in the series.
Suspenseful and imaginative, the story takes off quickly and draws the reader along a dark path of intrigue. The heroine uses her abilities to help search for a killer. When a stranger approaches, their touch sets off electric sparks that raise more questions.
A thriller that I read in mostly one sitting. I didn't want to put it down. Just a touch of wry humor, a bit more of romance and a fast-paced serial killer mystery that I knew was going to be knocking at the heroine's door at any moment.
I will be going directly to the next book in the series.
October 10, 2018
Surprisingly good for a free Kindle book! The characters are likable and the plot was well paced and engrossing. Based on the cover I was expecting more paranormal/urban fantasy, but I was happy to discover that it was actually mostly murder mystery.
October 30, 2016
(RabidReads.com)You know those books that you immediately like the “voice” of the main character? The kind that draws you in with the character’s personality and the premise of what that character is going through? That was this book for me. It was also in my to be read pile way too long and I am not happy that I let it lay there for ten months or so.
Sloan is a seemingly normal hometown girl, living and working in the small city she grew up in. She’s in public relations for the city and as such, she works with various members of law enforcement, at times. But she also has a pretty big secret, one that she has only shared with her best friend, Adrianne. Sloan can tell just by looking at a person if they are good or bad. She can also look at a picture of someone and know if they are are still alive. And to top it off, she can picture someone in her mind and they will show up wherever she is-as long as it’s someone she knows.She was adopted as a baby and consequently has no one to tell her what she is. She meets the new police detective in town, Nathan. His sister disappeared years before and he is still trying to find out what happened to her. When he realizes(by accident) what Sloan can do, he enlists her help in finding his sister, and the other eleven women that have disappeared over the years. In the middle of all this, she meets another man, the one person she can’t read at all.
I have always been a fan of serial killer books, so when that aspect was brought into the story it just upped my interest in this read, along with the paranormal gifts that Sloan has. Sloan is full of snark, is pretty feisty, and that’s probably my favorite type of female character. Nathan is handsome, intelligent, and very tenacious in doing his job-and looking for his sister. He’s also got a girlfriend. There’s plenty of humor whenever his girlfriend is in the picture because she’s Sloan’s arch enemy and Sloan’s snark comes out every time. The girlfriend does come off as the cliche blonde mean girl.The mystery man ended up being a major part of the book and is actually one of my favorite characters. Due to spoilers, that’s all I am saying.
In addition to the humor, this book also has it’s share of suspense and detective work. The gifts that Sloan has figure prominently in the book and made for an interesting story line, to say the least. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that there ends up being a sort of love triangle. But it’s definitely not as bad as some, and although it was kinda different in how the author chose to resolve it, it didn’t really bother me. In fact, there was only one thing that bothered me. I got tired of Sloan hitting, kicking, and elbowing people during the course of everyday conversation. Nothing painful, and all done in fun, but still it just kept happening, and I noticed it.
I couldn’t put this book down. Literally. The characters, the premise, and the unusual gifts all wove together to make for an excellent read. I highly recommend this to adult paranormal romance/mystery readers. Adult due to some sensual scenes and violence.
Sloan is a seemingly normal hometown girl, living and working in the small city she grew up in. She’s in public relations for the city and as such, she works with various members of law enforcement, at times. But she also has a pretty big secret, one that she has only shared with her best friend, Adrianne. Sloan can tell just by looking at a person if they are good or bad. She can also look at a picture of someone and know if they are are still alive. And to top it off, she can picture someone in her mind and they will show up wherever she is-as long as it’s someone she knows.She was adopted as a baby and consequently has no one to tell her what she is. She meets the new police detective in town, Nathan. His sister disappeared years before and he is still trying to find out what happened to her. When he realizes(by accident) what Sloan can do, he enlists her help in finding his sister, and the other eleven women that have disappeared over the years. In the middle of all this, she meets another man, the one person she can’t read at all.
I have always been a fan of serial killer books, so when that aspect was brought into the story it just upped my interest in this read, along with the paranormal gifts that Sloan has. Sloan is full of snark, is pretty feisty, and that’s probably my favorite type of female character. Nathan is handsome, intelligent, and very tenacious in doing his job-and looking for his sister. He’s also got a girlfriend. There’s plenty of humor whenever his girlfriend is in the picture because she’s Sloan’s arch enemy and Sloan’s snark comes out every time. The girlfriend does come off as the cliche blonde mean girl.The mystery man ended up being a major part of the book and is actually one of my favorite characters. Due to spoilers, that’s all I am saying.
In addition to the humor, this book also has it’s share of suspense and detective work. The gifts that Sloan has figure prominently in the book and made for an interesting story line, to say the least. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that there ends up being a sort of love triangle. But it’s definitely not as bad as some, and although it was kinda different in how the author chose to resolve it, it didn’t really bother me. In fact, there was only one thing that bothered me. I got tired of Sloan hitting, kicking, and elbowing people during the course of everyday conversation. Nothing painful, and all done in fun, but still it just kept happening, and I noticed it.
I couldn’t put this book down. Literally. The characters, the premise, and the unusual gifts all wove together to make for an excellent read. I highly recommend this to adult paranormal romance/mystery readers. Adult due to some sensual scenes and violence.
April 28, 2017
Wow .... what a dynamic, fun, refreshing read this was! I enjoyed reading it so much that it was basically over before it began.
I loved the character Sloan Jordan and the constant play for her attention between the two boys, Detective Nathan McNamara and Warren Parish. However, you just know Sloan and Warren and are two halves of a whole .... something.
I can't wait to see if finds out what she really is. Highly recommended.
I loved the character Sloan Jordan and the constant play for her attention between the two boys, Detective Nathan McNamara and Warren Parish. However, you just know Sloan and Warren and are two halves of a whole .... something.
I can't wait to see if finds out what she really is. Highly recommended.
December 21, 2016
2.5 stars
The voice of each charachter is the same I honestly couldn't distinguish between them
They had the same tone the same sense of humer the same morals and the same expressions
But the idea is original and very interesting
The voice of each charachter is the same I honestly couldn't distinguish between them
They had the same tone the same sense of humer the same morals and the same expressions
But the idea is original and very interesting
March 11, 2017
The Soul Summoner is well written but lacks excitement and the love triangle didn't work in my opinion. So far the book is quite enjoyable but nothing impressive.
February 22, 2021
Loved the sassy and genuinely kind heroine. She's funny and sweet, it's her special skill and her sweet nature. The H appears to be her soul mate, he too has special skills but they are exact opposites. I liked how they worked with her other male 'friend' to solve murder mysteries. It was all very unlikely with the excellent writing making it work. Great story, but I didn't enjoy the love triangle.
April 12, 2020
RATING: 4.5 STARS for this first installment.
I love Warren and Nathan.
But whose team will I be on???
Gahhh is it too early to tell?
I feel a Warren team coming on... but it is early days.
I love Warren and Nathan.
But whose team will I be on???
Gahhh is it too early to tell?
I feel a Warren team coming on... but it is early days.
September 30, 2016
This was a cross of so many genres I love: Paranormal, CSIish, & Romance. Pretty much hit it out of the park for me.
I loved Sloan - her strength, her vulnerability, her smart moves, and her stupid moves. She was a real person to me - maybe that's why I liked her so much! Loved her humor too, best ability in the world is to be able to laugh at yourself and not take yourself so seriously. She had a paranormal ability to sense things about people and also call them to her as well, but even that didn't work all the time. Sloan is a publicist for Buncombe County - not the most glamorous job but it did keep her in her hometown of Asheville, NC.
a great quote from the beginning of the book: "The lobby was full, and I suspected the entire bunch had just watched me check out my own ass in the mirrored glass. "Wonderful," I muttered."
Sloan's BFF - Adrianne is a Hoot! Loved that she complement and was opposite of Sloan in many ways!
Detective Nathan McNamara is new on the force of the Asheville PD - Sloan's first impression of him is priceless: "could have been Mr. January on the Buncombe County Hot Cop Calendar if one existed."
They officially meet when Nathan brings over a press release on a missing persons case. Sloan slips up and blurts out that the person in the picture is dead. Which she knows by her unusual ability. Once the man is found dead - as Sloan predicted - Nathan returns to her with questions and another missing persons case involving a young girl, which leads to a serial case involving 10 young women.
Once, Sloan & Nathan begin working on the case together, she has to deal with her attraction to him and all that comes with it.
And wait for it...enter a HAWT mystery man - Warren Parish - and shockingly she can not sense anything from him. So now we have the "dreaded" LOVE TRIANGLE.
I'll let you read the rest for yourself...
Loved this story and all the characters - great cast of leading and supporting players. The mystery was gripping and complex. I honesty read this book in less than a day - I was compelled to keep turning those virtual pages.
Definitely ready to get my hands on the rest of the books in this series!
I loved Sloan - her strength, her vulnerability, her smart moves, and her stupid moves. She was a real person to me - maybe that's why I liked her so much! Loved her humor too, best ability in the world is to be able to laugh at yourself and not take yourself so seriously. She had a paranormal ability to sense things about people and also call them to her as well, but even that didn't work all the time. Sloan is a publicist for Buncombe County - not the most glamorous job but it did keep her in her hometown of Asheville, NC.
a great quote from the beginning of the book: "The lobby was full, and I suspected the entire bunch had just watched me check out my own ass in the mirrored glass. "Wonderful," I muttered."
Sloan's BFF - Adrianne is a Hoot! Loved that she complement and was opposite of Sloan in many ways!
Detective Nathan McNamara is new on the force of the Asheville PD - Sloan's first impression of him is priceless: "could have been Mr. January on the Buncombe County Hot Cop Calendar if one existed."
They officially meet when Nathan brings over a press release on a missing persons case. Sloan slips up and blurts out that the person in the picture is dead. Which she knows by her unusual ability. Once the man is found dead - as Sloan predicted - Nathan returns to her with questions and another missing persons case involving a young girl, which leads to a serial case involving 10 young women.
Once, Sloan & Nathan begin working on the case together, she has to deal with her attraction to him and all that comes with it.
And wait for it...enter a HAWT mystery man - Warren Parish - and shockingly she can not sense anything from him. So now we have the "dreaded" LOVE TRIANGLE.
I'll let you read the rest for yourself...
Loved this story and all the characters - great cast of leading and supporting players. The mystery was gripping and complex. I honesty read this book in less than a day - I was compelled to keep turning those virtual pages.
Definitely ready to get my hands on the rest of the books in this series!
August 19, 2018
What a fantastic book! I flew right through this - loving how it was a paranormal romance, but it wasn't like anything I had read before.
Sloan Jordan knows that she is different, but because of a bad experience as a child, she tries to keep those differences to herself. She can feel someone's soul -- she knows if they are good or evil or even if the person is alive -- by looking at a photo. I have to say, no matter how weird this sounds, that I have a vague sense of what she might have experienced as I have felt (only once in my life) a purely evil aura surrounding someone and it was scary!! The thought of having that problem 24/7 would be exhausting, I think!
Sloan finds herself in the middle of a police investigation with a handsome detective named Nathan. I love his character and the way they fall into an easy friendship. Sloan realizes that she can trust him and they begin to help one another. After helping solve a case, though, Sloan opens a whole new can of worms when another person much like herself comes looking for her - Warren. OH, WARREN! Sexy, Warren. I was torn between which man I wanted Sloan with, but the connection between Sloan and Warren is, without a doubt, so strong. It would be incredibly hard to not be with someone who understood the strangeness in your life, I think, and Sloan deeply desires to be understood.
I don't want to give away any spoilers, so I will stop! Just read this book!
Sloan Jordan knows that she is different, but because of a bad experience as a child, she tries to keep those differences to herself. She can feel someone's soul -- she knows if they are good or evil or even if the person is alive -- by looking at a photo. I have to say, no matter how weird this sounds, that I have a vague sense of what she might have experienced as I have felt (only once in my life) a purely evil aura surrounding someone and it was scary!! The thought of having that problem 24/7 would be exhausting, I think!
Sloan finds herself in the middle of a police investigation with a handsome detective named Nathan. I love his character and the way they fall into an easy friendship. Sloan realizes that she can trust him and they begin to help one another. After helping solve a case, though, Sloan opens a whole new can of worms when another person much like herself comes looking for her - Warren. OH, WARREN! Sexy, Warren. I was torn between which man I wanted Sloan with, but the connection between Sloan and Warren is, without a doubt, so strong. It would be incredibly hard to not be with someone who understood the strangeness in your life, I think, and Sloan deeply desires to be understood.
I don't want to give away any spoilers, so I will stop! Just read this book!
April 18, 2016
I was in the mood for a good suspensful read and this one certainly did the trick. Here's my breakdown:
The pros:
* Solid character development
* offered as a kindleunlimited
* Fast paced plot
* Unique paranormal read
* Great writing style
The cons:
* Massive love triangle - I think this may deter some of my "safe-reader" friends. The heroine had kissed both men, but only got intimiate with the one she is in a relationship with. Its known to all 3 that both men love her. Often they were all in the same company but thankfully there was no childish or immature behavior like you often see when there is a love triagnle, so that helped.
* It didn’t end on a brutal cliffhanger, but it certainly wasn’t a HEA.
I enjoyed this book enough to continue on to book 2.
The pros:
* Solid character development
* offered as a kindleunlimited
* Fast paced plot
* Unique paranormal read
* Great writing style
The cons:
* Massive love triangle - I think this may deter some of my "safe-reader" friends. The heroine had kissed both men, but only got intimiate with the one she is in a relationship with. Its known to all 3 that both men love her. Often they were all in the same company but thankfully there was no childish or immature behavior like you often see when there is a love triagnle, so that helped.
* It didn’t end on a brutal cliffhanger, but it certainly wasn’t a HEA.
I enjoyed this book enough to continue on to book 2.
March 2, 2018
Soul Summoner is a promising start to a new series. Sloan Jordan has been able to see souls her whole life. It wasn’t until she met Nathan McNamara that she thought of using her gift in a different way. I immediately fell in love with the Sloan - Nathan friendship and want more!
June 30, 2019
The bad news: I had this book on my Kindle and took a long time to get to it. The good news: several other books in the series were published in the meantime.
The Soul Summoner is what every indie published urban fantasy / paranormal romance wants to be.
The Soul Summoner is what every indie published urban fantasy / paranormal romance wants to be.
August 31, 2020
I didn't want to put this book down! It pulls you in from the first chapter. I loved the characters. Even though I'm only at the beginning of the series, the books should be read in order. I immediately moved on to book 2.
July 7, 2020
I have had my eye on this book for quite some time. And then I actually won a copy of the book during a game we played at the Virtual SCBL Book Convention! Okay now! Fate had it that I absolutely MUST read this book! And read it, I did. In one sitting! Because once I started reading it, I could not put it down. Loved, loved, loved it!
We have Sloan, a woman with some rather incredible secrets, a mystery within herself. Then we have Nathan, a hot detective involved in the search for a serial killer. And let us not forget Warren! I really want to tell you about him, but I don't want to give away any spoilers. The chemistry and vibes between these three characters is amazing! Excellent writing from an author I want to read more from. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series, and I have already downloaded a book from another series written by Elicia Hyder.
For those romance readers, let me tell you that this book gives you all those wonderful tingles of romance without the ... um... serious details. Well done, Elicia Hyder!!
We have Sloan, a woman with some rather incredible secrets, a mystery within herself. Then we have Nathan, a hot detective involved in the search for a serial killer. And let us not forget Warren! I really want to tell you about him, but I don't want to give away any spoilers. The chemistry and vibes between these three characters is amazing! Excellent writing from an author I want to read more from. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series, and I have already downloaded a book from another series written by Elicia Hyder.
For those romance readers, let me tell you that this book gives you all those wonderful tingles of romance without the ... um... serious details. Well done, Elicia Hyder!!
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