Soul Eater

Rockshade's PID #1

by Ofelia Gränd

Detective Thaddeus Ezax is in over his head. He’s the only wizard in Rockshade’s Paranormal Investigations Department, and it was his name that got him the job. The Ezaxs are known as some of the most powerful wizards in the world, but Thaddeus isn’t your average Ezaxs. Is it any wonder his family shuns him?

When a kidnapping case is dropped into his lap, Thaddeus must act fast. While most five-year-olds can cast a location spell, Thaddeus can't and is forced to get creative. When he finds himself in possession of a black market werewolf skull with a ghost trapped inside, accidentally releases the spirit, and somehow forms a connection with it, things get even crazier.

Sandulf Hunter doesn’t remember dying, but he remembers the last thing he saw before everything went black -- a wizard. All wizards must die! The only problem is, the wizard standing next to him smells too damned good, so good Sandy thinks he might have to keep him.

And since wherever Thaddeus goes, Sandulf finds himself yanked along, he might not have a choice in the matter anyway.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Mystery, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Magic, Romance

186 pages, ebook

First published October 31, 2020

About the author

Gay fiction and M/M Romance writer

Ofelia Gränd is Swedish, which often shines through in her stories. She likes to write about everyday people ending up in not-so-everyday situations, and hopefully also getting out of them. She writes contemporary, paranormal, romance, horror, Sci-Fi and whatever else catches her fancy.

Her books are written for readers who want to take a break from their everyday life for an hour or two.

When Ofelia manages to tear herself from the screen and sneak away from husband and children, she likes to take walks in the woods. She’s recently discovered the miracle of podcasts and spends her strolls listening to wise people talk.



If you want to know more, subscribe to Ofelia's email list at http://ofeliagrand.us9.list-manage.co...

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clumsy grammar and sentence structure kept popping me out of the story. Combine that with confusing world building, far too many characters introduced early on, and nothing resembling believable police procedure, and this was a miss for me.

[Gabis Laberladen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darum geht's:

Thaddeus Ezac ist ein Zauberer und Teil der Abteilung für paranormale Untersuchungen. Leider sind seine Zauberkünste kaum ausgeprägt und die Gestaltwandler der Abteilung nehmen ihn nicht ernst. Erst als er im Rahmen seiner Ermittlungen auf dem Schwarzmarkt an einen Werwolfschädel kommt, entdeckt er seine wahren Fähigkeiten. Und er findet Sandy, dessen andere Hälfte und Schicksalspartner Thaddeus offensichtlich ist. Blöd nur, dass Sandy ein Geist ist, den niemand außer Thad sehen kann.

Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that i have read by this author but it will not be the last. This book grabbed me from the beginning and did not let me go. I really enjoyed the story. It is very well written and flows together nicely. This is the story of the Rockshade’s Paranormal Investigations Department. It is Detective Thaddeus's chance to show everyone what he and his partner can do. Being the only non shifter team in the department, they are looked upon as the B team by the shifters. Unfortunately, both Thad and his partner don't believe that the other shifter teams are wrong. Neither one seems very strong in their chosen ability and do not have a lot of confidence in themselves. Well that is about to change once a kidnapping case is assigned to them. They manage to link their kidnapping to a series of kidnapping. Now the entire department wants in on the case.

Willing to try anything Thad goes to the underground black market for magical types. He ends up with blood candles and a werewolf skull that he stole. He does a rite to try and find information about the kidnapper and soon to be killer. It doesn't work as expected. He accidentally releases the werewolf's spirit. Sandulf Hunter is unaware that he is dead. But he instantly forms an attachment with Thad. Wherever Thad goes, Sandy must go along. So now Thad has an invisible partner, a major crime to solve and a werewolf coworker who is about be very upset. Nothing is ever easy for Thad.

I really liked this story and all the characters in the Rockshade’s Paranormal Investigations Department. I loved Thad and Sandy's story. I am looking forward to future books with all the other coworkers. This is a fun read and you won't be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have recently discovered this author, and already a huge fan. That said, I was prepared to really like this book, and I was not in the least disappointed. It's the story of Thaddeus, detective and not-super-powerful magic user, stuck in a squad full of arrogant shifters who don't take him seriously. Meanwhile, there are kidnappings that are clearly related to some problematic uses of magic...The mystery is interesting, the plot adrenaline-driven, and the romance, without too many spoilers, is an angle I wasn't expecting on the fated mates trope. If I could offer only one critique, it would be that the romance is awesome, but takes a backseat to the drama most of the time, and Thad and his mate are such a great couple, it would be nice to see more of their relationship developing. Overall, however, this book is amazing. The world building is really cool: the shifter/ magic user continuum is detailed without being overwhelming, and distinctive enough to feel unique. The supporting characters are fascinating too, and I hope we get a chance to learn more about them (hint/shameless plea to author: sequels, please!) All in all, a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.5 stars

First, let me say that I definitely finished this book with mixed feelings. The bones of this story are great. And the twist on magic and mates here is really interesting. I thought the author had some really great ideas about how things worked, especially magic, and I could get behind all that. But for me, there was something lacking in the execution, and the world building didn’t quite get to the level I needed for this story to fully work.

I enjoyed the characters, especially the MCs. Thaddeus and Sandy have good chemistry, and I liked the obstacles they needed to overcome. Considering Sandy is a ghost and all. There’s also some great banter between them, and I enjoyed the way they clicked. For me, their relationship was slightly underdeveloped, but believable, and I was able to go with it. So the romance portion of this book worked for me, and I liked watching them work through everything against them.

Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.

[Ofelia Gränd]

[Stephanie W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thaddeus "Thad" Ezax is a detective and a mage.
Sandulf "Sandy" Hunter is a ghost werewolf.

Thad and Sandy ended up being mates. What a surprise to read how that one happened. A well written paranormal story of a team trying to solve a disappearance case. Who knew this would end up pleasantly being so much more intriguing and entertaining. Sandy was really protective of his powerful mate.
Their coming together as a mated pair was just and satisfying as the rest of the story.
Fantastic world building with enough to keep you wondering. Definitely not predictable series of events.

So much was pack into this first book that I do hope to see a series made from this.


**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SFBookReviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul Eater was a riveting read about the Department following up on missing women and murder cases. They contain wizards in various forms, shifters and physics. The story had me captivated from the beginning and I couldn't put it down. The twists and turns kept me entertained and the loves tory between Thad and Sandy was very sweet.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nissy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously I really do love this author's work. Soul Eater does not disappoints. It has magic and mayhem all wrapped in a love story. Thad finds his familiar and love. Gosh from the beginning there was a magic to the story. Thad is a mage (so he thinks) working for the paranormal police department and Sandy is a ghost, killed years ago. Love does come in all sorts of packages. During an investigation Thad and Sandy meet. Through much they find love. This really was an interesting story that kept you from beginning to end. You just had to know what happens to Thad in the mist of their search for victims. Great read

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kassu · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+⭐

Interesting concept but perhaps a bit choppy execution. I liked many things about this story (didn't even hate the chest-thumping wolves) but I wasn't completely engaged, maybe the focus was in the "wrong" things. I am still kind of intrigued though, I might read the rest of the series.

Part of Howl at the Moon Box Set.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Soul Eater by Ofelia Gränd. I loved Sandy and Thad and how they interacted together. I want more of these guys and the shifters that Thad works with at the police station. The author did a great job, and I can't wait to read more of her books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Meggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was instantly pulled into the Detective Thaddeus Ezax storyline. His way of thinking and acting toward his fellow detectives was professional and smart. What I didn't enjoy was, badly developed characters and the world in general. The romance between Thaddeus Ezax and the spirit of Sandulf Hunter was ridiculous and the ending personally unsatisfying.

[Justine Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soul Eater is a fascinating story about Thaddeus, a detective and mage, and Sandy, a ghost werewolf that happens to be Thad's mate. There is so much going on, I couldn't put this book down for fear I would miss something. Thad and those he worked with were trying to solve a disappearance case which ended up being so much more than they expected. I really enjoyed the interactions between Thad and Sandy and how possessive and protective Sandy was of Thad, especially after Sandy realized Thad was his mate. I would enjoy more stories from this world. I feel like there's more to uncover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting paranormal read with a cast of strong characters. The author does a great job bringing the story to life with her descriptive and detailed writing , painting her scenes vividly. She had me glued to the pages with all the twists and turns as well as the romance. It's well written ,moves fluidly and is an entertaining read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Danis ❤️ MM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the short story (Rockshade PID 2.5) by accident and fell in love with the characters of Thad and Sandy. Needless to say I was thrilled to find there were two more books to read.

This is the first and introduces Thad, a mage (or so he thinks) police investigator and Sandy, his rather unlikely ghostly werewolf mate. There's a mystery "Who keeps kidnapping young women and carving them up?" and lots of twists and turns. It combines my love of MM, paranormal and mysteries.

Well written, fast paced. Definitely recommend.

Read via KU.

[Joscelyn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandy and Thad had an interesting first meeting to say the least. I enjoyed going along with them as they worked Thad's case and dealt with the discovery that they were mates. I really hope that there will more books with these characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MM Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put Soul Eater down!!! Ofelia Grand never disappoints!

Great action thriller, urban fantasy with paranormal shifters and mages, sorcerers...Very unique and interesting world building!

Has all my favorite tropes and genres!

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I’ve previously mentioned, I don’t usually make forays into werewolf books or romances that deal with fated mates, but I’ve been trying to expand and I have to say, Soul Eater doesn’t disappoint. Though the plot of the novel gets a little harried at times and there’s a complex system of magic that is explained through a lot of exposition, I still enjoyed the book. I think I would have adored it if the author had drawn it out a little more and spent more time making the worldbuilding reveal itself more naturally. There were some stylistic and grammar issues, but the author’s blurb says she’s Swedish, so I think that comes more with writing in a second language than any real defects with the writing itself.
I liked the dynamic between Thaddeus and Sandy because even though they do fall into some tropes, Thaddeus didn’t fall into line with the werewolf mentality, and Sandy didn’t expect him to, either. They become softer and gentler with each other with little reason to do so other than being ‘mates’ but it’s nice to see a large, aggressive, masculine male character (Sandy) be not just soft with his partner, but totally at ease with his sexual identity. Sandy gets angry, but he never behaves aggressively toward Thad. He gets unreasonably possessive and jealous, but he recognizes it and does his best to adjust his behavior and expectations. It’s also nice that Thaddeus, a smaller man, isn’t shunted into the stereotypes that crop up a lot for slimmer characters. He’s a little older than your average m/m protagonist, too, in my experience.
Some of the background characters fall a little flat and the ones that genuinely interested me didn’t get as much time on page as I wanted. There’s a trio of huge, burly shifters that accompany Thad on his journey and they’re fine, but not fascinating. I wanted to know more about Thad’s partner, Elora, another non-shift detective at the department. She had an interesting set of powers and some unexplained hang-ups about using them. I would have liked to know more about her and seen her character fleshed out. She was also, other than a brief appearance by Thad’s mom and the victims of the crimes, the only woman. She was the only one with extended dialogue, so I would have liked more from her.
The plot moved a little too quickly for my tastes and relied on a lot of dialogue to get the point across about what was happening, so as I said, I’d like to see this book drawn out. I want the author to take her time with the story because it’s a genuinely interesting one. The book feels like a set up to a series, too, which I think would be a lot of fun. The book has an interesting twist at the end that doesn’t get played out too much, and I’d like to know more about how that’s going to impact Thaddeus and his family going forward. Like I said, this feels like the start to the series and I hope it is. I’d recommend this to urban fantasy fans and people interested in a quick detective story.

[Penumbra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul Eater is the first book in the ‘Rockshade’s PID’ series. It stars Detective Thaddeus Ezax a wizard, and Sandulf Hunter, a werewolf ghost. This is told in third person through Thaddeus and Sandulf’s povs.



First the cover. It’s simple, but eye-catching, I like it. I’m didn’t get a feel of how Thad looked in the story so I can’t say whether this cover model looks like him or not. I just get a feeling that this isn’t how I imagined him.

The blurb hints at what’s happening in the plot but I’ll add a bit more. The author created an interesting world of magic users, shifters and humans. Thad Ezax comes from a long line of accomplished wizards. Only Thad is anything but. He’s rather mediocre actually. He works with other shifters and Elora, who I’d call a Seer. She can sense things if holding an object belonging to a person. The shifters in the group don’t trust the wizards/humans and they in turn don’t trust the shifters because shifters are emotional and aggressive. Shifters think they are better than wizards and this is one conflict in the story. Everyone is attempting to get along while they search for missing people. It all leads up to Thad stealing a wolf-shifter’s skull and pulling the wolf back as a ghost. He has no idea why he did it or how he did it. The wolf-ghost is Sandulf. Sandulf and how he died and got called back as a ghost is another mystery. He’s now magically tied to Thad so they have to cooperate. Thad is still confused on how he did it and is fumbling his way to answers. He also has to explain the ways of the magical community to the shifters he works with, which is kind of forbidden, but Thad has to give them information in order to solve the crime. There are many subplots in this book which kept it interesting. The author did a good job of weaving them all together.

I liked the various characters. They all had distinct personalities and the author did a good job of keeping them consistent throughout the book. Thad is smart, but insecure about his abilities. Readers find out why he’s not that great a wizard by the end of the book, and the answer is interesting. Sandulf is a different kind of Alpha werewolf. Yes, he is dominant, but more easy-going with a sense of humor. He’s very protective of Thad since Thad is his mate. But it’s hard to protect him when Sandy as he’s called, is in ghostly form. The author did a great job of having the MCs adapt to their predicament and work out the issues they had with each other and with Sandy returning as a ghost. I could believe in them as a couple.

There were some issues with grammar that the editor should have picked up on and corrected.

Overall, I enjoyed Soul Eater quite a bit and have already read the second book in the series. I’ll leave a review for that in a week or so. I give this book, 5 Stars and recommend it to anyone who likes to read about magic and shifters.

[Mir · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had a potentially interesting urban fantasy world/magic system, and the main character was okay if a little bland. But there were so many unbelievably dumb events and actions that it ruined the story for me.

One of the main ones: the primary characters are law enforcement. One detective repeatedly assaults a fellow investigator and at one point sends him to the ER with broken bones. There are no consequences and they even keep working in the same enclosed office, alone together. What? Why would the guy who got attacked keep working there (making it additionally implausible, he's from an important and well-off family)? Why does the psychic who is afraid of and refuses to use her powers work in the homicide department? When that is the entirety of her job? Why did she apply and how does she not get fired?

The mystery could have been interesting, but like many not-actually-mystery-authors Gränd doesn't inclde enough characters: it's either one of 3 people or someone who hasn't been on page. There aren't clues for the reader to play with. Also, after engaging with and being identified by a potential serial killer, while injured (see previous assault by cop) the MC goes back to his apartment, taking no precautions with security. Spoiler: the bad guys come after him.

The writing is fine, I just kept metaphorically throwing the book down over how dumb everything was. I've read a few of this author's stories and feel like plot isn't her strong point. I've liked best the ones that were just vibes and characters.

[Marlobo ♥ epilogues · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished it last night. I found it very entertaining; I especially enjoyed the author trading the synonymy for the difference when detailing people with magical powers and skills.

Good worldbuilding joins the characters, each with their own personalities, one of the best features in this author's stories.

It's the longest story I have read from her to date (and I read most of her stories); also, I see that Mind Scrambler —that I started to read today— is of similar length. Perhaps it is that Ms. Gränd is gaining more confidence in her skills to deliver more than a couple of hours of enjoyment, as was her initial statement. If this series is a sample of what the author now can see she has the capacity of offering (perhaps more than she thought of herself not so long ago), I can only give her and more of her long stories (to the shorter ones too, obviously ) the happiest welcome.

[Anne Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m going to give this book a 3.5 star rating because I’m to blame I think. I’ve got so confused at the beginning and I found myself putting the book down which is never a good sign for me I kept getting confused with the tensions between this group of people that only want to get out there and help so I really think you need to read these books in order so then we get like the family dynamics to find out what tensions Are between this group.
I know it left me so confused at times but I take that as my fault so I’m going to buy the first and second book and then I’m going to re-read this book again and then hopefully I’ll understand more.
I really liked the story don’t get me wrong I like the story plot and the banter I just wanna understand it more so I put that on me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of action but maybe too much going on🤔

3-3.5🌟 stars
Author Ofelia Grand is a go-to author for me. She has written such a wide range of MM romance, much of it involving the paranormal, that keeps me coming back. Although I was not bowled over by Soul Eater, I will keep reading and doubtless enjoying her stories.

The idea of a live being having a romance that could include touches and intimacies with a ghost was intriguing but the bulk of the story with all of its action was not as appealing as I would expect from Grand's stories.

This book had too much going on and the romance for lead mage Thad was a bit tame to me. The distinctions between wizards, mages, sorcerers and warlocks went right over my head and I never really fully understood what the villains were trying to do.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book provided by Book sprout; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars
I liked the story, but it really felt like I was missing a prequel or prologue or something that would've been the world building part. Still, I'm definitely reading the next book NOW instead of something else!

[Kristy Maitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story plot was pulling from the start till the end. I hope we'll get more.

[Lucie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite recommendation for this author and book! Love it!

Rating: 4.75🌈

Swedish author, Ofelia Gränd’s latest novel reminds me that I really need to put her on my auto buy list.

Soul Eater’s wonderful universe drew me in completely and the storylines kept me invested in the characters and the potential for more tales to come.

She begins the story with a Paranormal Investigations Department that employs a number of different beings, from a psychic to a witch with detectives of various shifter species, including a jaguar Captain.

We get a glimpse into a squad out of sorts with each other and the cases several missing women to solve.

The individuals within the squad are divided into two groups, the magical humans and the shifters, as personalities and deep feelings have contributed to conflict between the members. Gränd’s believable well defined characters help the reader understand the differences that now exist between them as the case investigation gets underway.

I’m not sure exactly what it is about this author’s work that adds that extra dimension to it. That touch of subtle horror or oddity that overlies the most mundane of actions.

Not that there’s much of those here in a paranormal mystery murder thriller where shifters, sorcery, a ghost, and Halloween overlap .

Especially a wereghost. I found that aspect of the story so satisfying as it develops on multiple levels.

The author’s world building expands as the story goes along, our knowledge of the magical universe coming to include a division of human witchcraft into wizards, mages, sorcerers and warlocks, an distinction that’s been hidden from the human population and paranormal one alike. This has implications for a major part of the storyline and not one I would spoil. It’s just one more thing I found entertaining and added more to the characters.

It’s elements like this that will keep me returning to Gränd’s books and hopefully more in this universe.

I found the narrative fascinating, the elements marvelous, the characters well developed, and all of it thrilling and suspenseful.

A definite recommendation for this author and book! Love it!

[Ashley D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thaddeus has been handed a kidnapping case that must be worked fast, but even though Thad is a wizard, he can't cast a basic location spell. While investigating the old-fashioned way, Thad comes into possession of a werewolf skull with a ghost trapped inside of it. Thad forms a connection with the spirit, who turns out to be the brother of a co-worker. Sandulf doesn't remember dying; he only remembers a wizard, so he is torn on whether to kill Thad or keep him since he smells so good.

Thad and Sandy have a complex relationship since Sandy is a ghost, but that doesn't stop them from mating and having a relationship. This was an interesting book, and I loved the cast of characters; I would be interested in reading more to see if others get their happy endings.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.