What do you think?
Rate this book
Soul Stones #1
The Hawk Soul
Alternative cover edition of ASIN B08R7MYPS5.
This Ravyn has the soul of a hawk.
My name is Ravyn. I'm a human soldier in a Fae army of shapeshifters run by a warlord. I'm a simple man; I like the three Fs—Feasting, Fighting, and Fu- well, you know the last one. I don't have many expectations for my life beyond those things and that's just fine by me. But when two fae amulets are stolen and only a human can retrieve them, my warlord asks me to go. He is the Hawk Lord—honorable, brave, terrifyingly powerful, and hot enough to set my pants on fire with a single look. That look was all it took to get me to agree to one of the most dangerous missions of my life. What I didn't know was that he'd be accompanying me, watching my back as we crept through the continent of Alantri—land of the monstrous Farungal. Nor did I know that our mission would bring us together in the most unexpected ways. The Hawk Lord is so much more than I thought. Stronger and more heroic, with a soul more beautiful than his face But he also has a darkness inside him, one that could bind us together forever or tear us viciously apart.
The Hawk Soul is a steamy M/M fantasy based in an epic world of sexy fae shifters, terrifying monsters, and thrilling love that will have you laughing, crying, and begging for more!
This Ravyn has the soul of a hawk.
My name is Ravyn. I'm a human soldier in a Fae army of shapeshifters run by a warlord. I'm a simple man; I like the three Fs—Feasting, Fighting, and Fu- well, you know the last one. I don't have many expectations for my life beyond those things and that's just fine by me. But when two fae amulets are stolen and only a human can retrieve them, my warlord asks me to go. He is the Hawk Lord—honorable, brave, terrifyingly powerful, and hot enough to set my pants on fire with a single look. That look was all it took to get me to agree to one of the most dangerous missions of my life. What I didn't know was that he'd be accompanying me, watching my back as we crept through the continent of Alantri—land of the monstrous Farungal. Nor did I know that our mission would bring us together in the most unexpected ways. The Hawk Lord is so much more than I thought. Stronger and more heroic, with a soul more beautiful than his face But he also has a darkness inside him, one that could bind us together forever or tear us viciously apart.
The Hawk Soul is a steamy M/M fantasy based in an epic world of sexy fae shifters, terrifying monsters, and thrilling love that will have you laughing, crying, and begging for more!
327 pages, ebook
First published December 23, 2020
382 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
Amy Sumida
243 books978 followersAmy Sumida is the Internationally Acclaimed author of the Award-Winning Godhunter Series, the fantasy paranormal Twilight Court Series, the Beyond the Godhunter Series, the music-oriented paranormal Spellsinger Series, the superhero Spectra Series, and several short stories. Her books have been translated into several languages, have won numerous awards, and are bestsellers. She believes in empowering women through her writing as well as providing everyone with a great escape from reality. Her stories are full of strong women and hot gods, shapeshifters, vampires, dragons, fairies, gargoyles... pretty much any type of supernatural, breathtakingly gorgeous man you can think of. Because why have normal when you could have paranormal?
Born and raised in Hawaii, Amy made a perilous journey across the ocean with six cats to settle in the beautiful state of Oregon which reminds her a lot of Hawaii but without the cockroaches or evil sand. When she isn't trying to type fast enough to get down everything the voices in her head are saying while her kitties try to sabotage her with cuteness, she enjoys painting on canvases, walls, and anything else that will sit still long enough for the paint to dry. She prefers antiques to modern furniture, tea to coffee, night to day, and Tom Hardy to Tom Hiddleston. No; Tom Hiddleston to Tom Hardy. No, wait... Tom Hardy and Tom Hiddleston to Tom Cruise. Yes, that's it.
Sign up for Amy's newsletter and get a free short story:
http://google.us11.list-manage.com/su...
The first books in her Godhunter and Twilight Court Series are free!
Join the God Squad on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AmySumidaAut...
Dive further into the worlds of the Godhunter and the Twilight Court on Amy's website: https://amysumida.com
Amy's Imaginary Worlds, a Facebook group where you can discuss all of her books:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/15360...
Check out the new Godhunter Store on Cafe Press, with all kinds of items featuring quotes and art from The Godhunter Series:
http://www.cafepress.com/godhunter
Born and raised in Hawaii, Amy made a perilous journey across the ocean with six cats to settle in the beautiful state of Oregon which reminds her a lot of Hawaii but without the cockroaches or evil sand. When she isn't trying to type fast enough to get down everything the voices in her head are saying while her kitties try to sabotage her with cuteness, she enjoys painting on canvases, walls, and anything else that will sit still long enough for the paint to dry. She prefers antiques to modern furniture, tea to coffee, night to day, and Tom Hardy to Tom Hiddleston. No; Tom Hiddleston to Tom Hardy. No, wait... Tom Hardy and Tom Hiddleston to Tom Cruise. Yes, that's it.
Sign up for Amy's newsletter and get a free short story:
http://google.us11.list-manage.com/su...
The first books in her Godhunter and Twilight Court Series are free!
Join the God Squad on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AmySumidaAut...
Dive further into the worlds of the Godhunter and the Twilight Court on Amy's website: https://amysumida.com
Amy's Imaginary Worlds, a Facebook group where you can discuss all of her books:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/15360...
Check out the new Godhunter Store on Cafe Press, with all kinds of items featuring quotes and art from The Godhunter Series:
http://www.cafepress.com/godhunter
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
December 24, 2020
Here I was, hoping for a really cool fantasy read. I mean, shapeshifting fae, soldiers fighting to save the world, the setup is perfect!
Then you get this: abuse, more abuse, and more abuse. When will people STOP ROMATICISING ABUSE FOR FUCKS SAKE.
Then you get this: abuse, more abuse, and more abuse. When will people STOP ROMATICISING ABUSE FOR FUCKS SAKE.
Read
October 31, 2022DNF 37% - no rating
I wanted to like this, but...
The premise was interesting, and the Sidhe lore rich, if a bit overly complex, but I was bored by the story and I'm pretty sure that Dal just wants a sex doll with no personality of its own. He told Ravyn that he wants him to keep his snarky personality, except during sex when he must be perfectly obedient, and when he isn't perfect, he gets punished. I love me some power exchange, but this felt less like a real power exchange and more like ... I hate to say it, but it just felt like abuse. It was cringy.
I wanted to like this, but...
The premise was interesting, and the Sidhe lore rich, if a bit overly complex, but I was bored by the story and I'm pretty sure that Dal just wants a sex doll with no personality of its own. He told Ravyn that he wants him to keep his snarky personality, except during sex when he must be perfectly obedient, and when he isn't perfect, he gets punished. I love me some power exchange, but this felt less like a real power exchange and more like ... I hate to say it, but it just felt like abuse. It was cringy.
June 7, 2021
I got this book without reading the review because I liked the way the cover looked. I'm glad the reviews align with what I thought.
This book sucked, there was nothing redeeming about it. The MC was just used and abused and when ever he thought to stand for himself the other MC guilted him with some little sob story. I thought the entire relationship was toxic.
This book sucked, there was nothing redeeming about it. The MC was just used and abused and when ever he thought to stand for himself the other MC guilted him with some little sob story. I thought the entire relationship was toxic.
March 7, 2021
2.5 stars....
I’m really not sure where to start here. The plot, the abuse or the writing?
Spoilerish below....
Getting into this book I was a little thrown off. The outline of the story you read in the blurb, literally was done and finished with in the 1st 1/4 of the book and left me wondering how they were going to fill in the remaining of the story.
Unfortunately it was not filled with romance. It was filled with abuse, and forgiveness, segregation from friends/family, more continued abuse and forgiveness, I think we can also put a little humiliation into the mix... and in the end we are given love? More like Stockholm syndrome IMO.
I’ll admit that I did really feel the love towards the end when things take a turn for the worse. But anything before that was just awful, it was not romance, and it was not “being a dominant lover”. I am ok with dark romance, but this book was a basic outline of domestic abuse that so many men and women suffer from day to day and romanticizing that just feels wrong.
The author does try to make a point in this book that treating women one was is wrong but it is ok for a man to be treated as such. This is not said specificity to the abuse, but it’s still implied that because he’s a man it’s ok to be treated as such... that just made it so much worse. No one deserves the to treated as such.
Ok anyways, while I was upset with the abuse it’s not the entire reason for my poor review. The writing also had a lot to do with it. There were several editing issues throughout the book, but also the plot and story was to far drawn out in the middle of the book. So much in this book was unnecessary and really just made the story drag.
I’m really not sure where to start here. The plot, the abuse or the writing?
Spoilerish below....
Getting into this book I was a little thrown off. The outline of the story you read in the blurb, literally was done and finished with in the 1st 1/4 of the book and left me wondering how they were going to fill in the remaining of the story.
Unfortunately it was not filled with romance. It was filled with abuse, and forgiveness, segregation from friends/family, more continued abuse and forgiveness, I think we can also put a little humiliation into the mix... and in the end we are given love? More like Stockholm syndrome IMO.
I’ll admit that I did really feel the love towards the end when things take a turn for the worse. But anything before that was just awful, it was not romance, and it was not “being a dominant lover”. I am ok with dark romance, but this book was a basic outline of domestic abuse that so many men and women suffer from day to day and romanticizing that just feels wrong.
The author does try to make a point in this book that treating women one was is wrong but it is ok for a man to be treated as such. This is not said specificity to the abuse, but it’s still implied that because he’s a man it’s ok to be treated as such... that just made it so much worse. No one deserves the to treated as such.
Ok anyways, while I was upset with the abuse it’s not the entire reason for my poor review. The writing also had a lot to do with it. There were several editing issues throughout the book, but also the plot and story was to far drawn out in the middle of the book. So much in this book was unnecessary and really just made the story drag.
Read
December 27, 2020The plot of the book was amazing. I really enjoy it and as it seems there will be more books to follow in this new series. BUT...(and it's a big one)their relationship destroyed half of the book. I do understand that there are people who like the dom-slave thing ,but only when both parts agree to it. Here there is no such thing. No. Only one that tries and more than often succeeds to humiliate and downgrade the other in the name of love. It's a NO to me. I won't give a rating cause I really liked the main story of the book and it will a shame to destroy the chance for other people to try it. I will most certainly read the next one, and see if things improve.
December 26, 2020
I was really looking forward to this but stopped at about 60%. I wanted adventure and excitement but got a character that simply caves to the other, he is a soldier but just gives up everything he was and I just couldn’t finish it. Sounded so good, but was abusive in places and I just couldn’t read any more
December 26, 2020
Different
Great story excited for the next one lots of heat like lots of it fair warning ⚠️ slight abuse otherwise a good book I really am looking forward to Luca book
Great story excited for the next one lots of heat like lots of it fair warning ⚠️ slight abuse otherwise a good book I really am looking forward to Luca book
May 12, 2021
***3.5 stars***
March 16, 2021
I didn't get past a few pages. This is horrible. The description of the main being half man/ half woman for being gay was just wrong. Then there was the amount of sex / sexual thoughts. My god, the author was talking about war, but the main character couldn't stop thinking of sex. This character won't last five minutes in a war thinking like that.
Then there was whole explaining everything within just a few paragraphs. This book was a mess that I didn't really think it was worth wasting my time on. I want to discover a new world when I read a fantasy book, not be told about within a a few paragraphs. It's boring and annoying.
The main is supposed to this special soldier, but he's more like this pitiable, sex crazed guy I did think would last five minutes in the quest that was already set out within the first few paragraphs. Ugh, this book!
Then there was whole explaining everything within just a few paragraphs. This book was a mess that I didn't really think it was worth wasting my time on. I want to discover a new world when I read a fantasy book, not be told about within a a few paragraphs. It's boring and annoying.
The main is supposed to this special soldier, but he's more like this pitiable, sex crazed guy I did think would last five minutes in the quest that was already set out within the first few paragraphs. Ugh, this book!
January 2, 2021
Nope. I was so excited and ready to sign praise to this but NOPE. It started as an overly simple (and yet better for it) almost-pure romance with fantasy background. The narrator is simple (and occasionally annoying) but I was happy to get swept into the tornado that was their relationship.
And then she had to go and fudge it up. Giving him... to not spoiler this, let's just say Urges. Or Hang-ups. Those are okay. We can work through them. But then, instead of fighting with it (after not putting up with it that first time when I got my hopes up) - he started to like it? Correction: LIKE IT?????
No, thank you. Just no.
And then she had to go and fudge it up. Giving him... to not spoiler this, let's just say Urges. Or Hang-ups. Those are okay. We can work through them. But then, instead of fighting with it (after not putting up with it that first time when I got my hopes up) - he started to like it? Correction: LIKE IT?????
No, thank you. Just no.
January 16, 2021
Seemingly nice Hawk Lord turns into abusive sadistic asshole.
Strong and proud soldier turns into doormat.
Also trigger warning! rape for no apparent reason other than to torture Ravyn some more.
I have a tiny bit of hope that the next book won't suck as much, since that character will already have been tortured when the book will begin...
Strong and proud soldier turns into doormat.
Also trigger warning! rape for no apparent reason other than to torture Ravyn some more.
I have a tiny bit of hope that the next book won't suck as much, since that character will already have been tortured when the book will begin...
December 25, 2020
awesome
awesome debut. I love everything about this book and the world building. the characters are passionate, badass and so hot. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
awesome debut. I love everything about this book and the world building. the characters are passionate, badass and so hot. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
March 15, 2021
ok, this was a strange book. I really liked the world-building , which is a bit of a new twist on the Fae and Shapeshifter idea
I really liked the MCs at the beginning ... but in the middle of the Book Dal starts to be totally different than I thought he was at the beginning. he redeems himself at the end of the book but there are a view developments, which were annoying and did not fit the personality he should have.
also, the sexual relationship of these two seems not very healthy most of the time.
I thought about giving the book only 2,5 stars but in the end, I enjoyed it ... so 3 stars
I really liked the MCs at the beginning ... but in the middle of the Book Dal starts to be totally different than I thought he was at the beginning. he redeems himself at the end of the book but there are a view developments, which were annoying and did not fit the personality he should have.
also, the sexual relationship of these two seems not very healthy most of the time.
I thought about giving the book only 2,5 stars but in the end, I enjoyed it ... so 3 stars
Read
May 14, 2021I thought the overall story was interesting but there's just too much abuse happening.
So many red flags. Dal constantly does things that make Ravyn uncomfortable, panicked and feel tortured (as in hurt, bloody and terrified). He also takes away the only family Ravyn's had (his army friends) because he's a possessive, controlling asshole with jealousy issues and baggage from a bad break up that happened 26 years ago. I liked Rae best untill he advised Ravyn to stay with the guy who just tortured him because 'he's just a lost, hurt soul.' I mean what the hell?! Dal knowingly crosses Ravyn's limits and gets off on his very real fear and panic; sorry but it really isn't about deserved trust that he will not abuse his dominant, powerful role because he constantly forces Ravyn into vulnerable positions and then promptly exploits that vulnerability.
I very nearly DNFed this multiple times and was disturbed that all kinds of sexual violence and abuse are glossed over and even romanticised. I wish the author's trigger warning would have been more honest/realistic. So be careful with that.
CW: abuse, rape and attempted rape (mostly committed by characters outside the main relationship but much of the non-consensual stuff within the main relationship would probably qualify), non-consensual domination and sexual violence, torture, social isolation, violence, bloody battles, gore, violence against LGBTQ I+ kids, parental violence/neglect
So many red flags. Dal constantly does things that make Ravyn uncomfortable, panicked and feel tortured (as in hurt, bloody and terrified). He also takes away the only family Ravyn's had (his army friends) because he's a possessive, controlling asshole with jealousy issues and baggage from a bad break up that happened 26 years ago. I liked Rae best untill he advised Ravyn to stay with the guy who just tortured him because 'he's just a lost, hurt soul.' I mean what the hell?! Dal knowingly crosses Ravyn's limits and gets off on his very real fear and panic; sorry but it really isn't about deserved trust that he will not abuse his dominant, powerful role because he constantly forces Ravyn into vulnerable positions and then promptly exploits that vulnerability.
I very nearly DNFed this multiple times and was disturbed that all kinds of sexual violence and abuse are glossed over and even romanticised. I wish the author's trigger warning would have been more honest/realistic. So be careful with that.
CW: abuse, rape and attempted rape (mostly committed by characters outside the main relationship but much of the non-consensual stuff within the main relationship would probably qualify), non-consensual domination and sexual violence, torture, social isolation, violence, bloody battles, gore, violence against LGBTQ I+ kids, parental violence/neglect
September 28, 2021
DNF 50% because the relationship was looking pretty abusive. It was framed like "the abuser hits you because he's troubled by his past, so help him work on that," so I assume the relationship will get less abusive as time goes on, but I'm not interested in reading more of those scenes.
So far the Hawk Lord has required the MC to give up his ability to say no to any aspect of sex with the Hawk Lord, has beat the MC with a belt to the point of making him bleed (instead of giving the mild spanking the MC expected), has backhanded the MC across the face, and has isolated the MC from his peers. By the way, the Hawk Lord is incredibly highly ranked, so the power difference between him and the MC is insane, and the MC won't have many options for places to go for help if he decides he needs it.
There was also a MASSIVE info dump at the beginning of the book. That had nothing to do with why I dropped the book, but it did annoy me.
So far the Hawk Lord has required the MC to give up his ability to say no to any aspect of sex with the Hawk Lord, has beat the MC with a belt to the point of making him bleed (instead of giving the mild spanking the MC expected), has backhanded the MC across the face, and has isolated the MC from his peers. By the way, the Hawk Lord is incredibly highly ranked, so the power difference between him and the MC is insane, and the MC won't have many options for places to go for help if he decides he needs it.
There was also a MASSIVE info dump at the beginning of the book. That had nothing to do with why I dropped the book, but it did annoy me.
August 13, 2021
Trigger warning for abuse, abuse and more abuse. Also trigger warning for rape which is not mentioned in the trigger warnings posted for this book.
March 18, 2021
Great if you are into abusive relationships
The plot was not coherent. There was a lot of sex but half the time it was rape or like pseudo consensual. The relationship between the main character and the hawk lord was rife with disbelief. It just wasn’t good. Then again it was an ad on Instagram and those never fair well. I may read another book by this author to give her another chance but I’m not holding my breath on her prose.
The plot was not coherent. There was a lot of sex but half the time it was rape or like pseudo consensual. The relationship between the main character and the hawk lord was rife with disbelief. It just wasn’t good. Then again it was an ad on Instagram and those never fair well. I may read another book by this author to give her another chance but I’m not holding my breath on her prose.
January 29, 2022
I liked this book. It has a solid world, an interesting plot, and really cool lore. I liked Ravyn and Dal, too, even if I found them to be a bit much at times. My big critique is that the book has too many sex scenes, at a point it almost feels like there's one between each event. It can be exhausting.
I'm still planning to keep on reading. This series is my intro to Amy, and leaving it at the first book feels off. Plus, I like the plot.
I'm still planning to keep on reading. This series is my intro to Amy, and leaving it at the first book feels off. Plus, I like the plot.
March 1, 2021
Read By Shon
3.5 stars
Not what I expected, the story was all over the place. This story had one to many element, I think it was the BDSM parts that pushed the story too far.
3.5 stars
Not what I expected, the story was all over the place. This story had one to many element, I think it was the BDSM parts that pushed the story too far.
June 4, 2025
DNF @ P249 (64% - Ch.30)
March 18, 2021
50 shades of Fae
Heterocentric m/m romance (little odd that the sex-positive fae lord would have such a Alpha-hole attitude about oral sex): would be more believable if fae world was everybody-is-bi and spare the homo-panic about woman parts.
The coarse soldier making a joke (usually sexual) of everything were the best bits. Could have worked on characterization: protagonist gave up a lot of freedoms and brothers in arms way too easily. The D/s elements without safe words was creepy, and it shoehorned a rags to riches romance into the Fight Against Evil. Also wonder about the plight of immortal Fae lower-class in a monarchy. Are you forever a footman, living in paradise and eating the crumbs from the tables of your betters? Do people rotate master and servant?
Heterocentric m/m romance (little odd that the sex-positive fae lord would have such a Alpha-hole attitude about oral sex): would be more believable if fae world was everybody-is-bi and spare the homo-panic about woman parts.
The coarse soldier making a joke (usually sexual) of everything were the best bits. Could have worked on characterization: protagonist gave up a lot of freedoms and brothers in arms way too easily. The D/s elements without safe words was creepy, and it shoehorned a rags to riches romance into the Fight Against Evil. Also wonder about the plight of immortal Fae lower-class in a monarchy. Are you forever a footman, living in paradise and eating the crumbs from the tables of your betters? Do people rotate master and servant?
September 15, 2021
SUPER CORNY
I really enjoyed this BUT Rayvn fucking took me out of it way too often with his vocabulary. I don't care about the cussing only the was he speaks "babe".. ugh why did he have to talk like a fuck boy? I hated it, I'm hoping the future books aren't so cringy with the characters talking like that.. it felt so weird having VERY modern speech patterns in a very fantastical world.. which normally you might not notice but just the way he spoke was so out of place. Outside of that the only other thing that bothered me was the very 50 shades scene with the spanking cause honestly I understand why that scene was in the book but it just felt so wrong, and very weird. It also felt a bit out of place I suppose?
This book is wonderful otherwise. I hate giving negative commentary on books but those were my thoughts.
I really enjoyed this BUT Rayvn fucking took me out of it way too often with his vocabulary. I don't care about the cussing only the was he speaks "babe".. ugh why did he have to talk like a fuck boy? I hated it, I'm hoping the future books aren't so cringy with the characters talking like that.. it felt so weird having VERY modern speech patterns in a very fantastical world.. which normally you might not notice but just the way he spoke was so out of place. Outside of that the only other thing that bothered me was the very 50 shades scene with the spanking cause honestly I understand why that scene was in the book but it just felt so wrong, and very weird. It also felt a bit out of place I suppose?
This book is wonderful otherwise. I hate giving negative commentary on books but those were my thoughts.
March 16, 2021
Look, I hate giving bad reviews, so this pains me- I’m not telling you not to read this, but I believe you deserve a warning going in. Either this was full to the brim with plot holes or the characters are just...not the smartest? I’m leaning towards the latter. It read like a mediocre contemporary paranormal- which was super incongruous with the high fantasy setting. Honestly, I don’t even know where to start, and an in depth analysis of this will probably be full of spoilers. Suffice it to say, while this book has some redeeming features, the characters are juvenile, the plot is weak, and the writing is ... well... it could be better. If this was shorter, I would have enjoyed it a lot more. I’m going to try the next book because I do think this author has some potential.
This book deserves a tone of trigger warnings. One of the main characters is raped on page by the villain. There’s physical abuse between the two MCs, and textbook relationship abuse in general— isolating your partner from the other people in their life, making THEM feel bad for YOU after you lose your temper during an irrational bout of jealousy and beat them badly. I wasn’t invested enough in either of them to care about the million and one red flags surrounding that relationship, but normally it would be a turn off for me, so be warned.
This book deserves a tone of trigger warnings. One of the main characters is raped on page by the villain. There’s physical abuse between the two MCs, and textbook relationship abuse in general— isolating your partner from the other people in their life, making THEM feel bad for YOU after you lose your temper during an irrational bout of jealousy and beat them badly. I wasn’t invested enough in either of them to care about the million and one red flags surrounding that relationship, but normally it would be a turn off for me, so be warned.
February 8, 2024
"The Hawk Soul" is an enthralling M/M fantasy romance that offers readers a thrilling dive into an imaginative world filled with danger, magic, and passionate connections. The novel centers around Ravyn, a human soldier with a simple life philosophy centered on the three Fs—Feasting, Fighting, and, frankly, Fornicating. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he's tasked with a dangerous mission that requires a human touch to retrieve two stolen fae amulets. The twist? He's not going alone. Accompanying him is the Hawk Lord, a warlord of the Fae army known for his honor, power, and an intensity that ignites more than just battlefield fervor.
The journey across Alantri is fraught with peril from monstrous creatures known as Farungal, testing their skills, resolve, and the burgeoning heat between them. The author skillfully crafts a narrative that blends action-packed sequences with deep emotional currents. Ravyn's initial simplicity is beautifully contrasted with the Hawk Lord's complexity, both in power and in the darkness that lurks within him. This contrast sets the stage for a relationship that is as tumultuous as it is passionate.
What makes "The Hawk Soul" stand out is its rich world-building. The continent of Alantri is vividly depicted, hosting a variety of landscapes that are as enchanting as they are dangerous. The presence of the Fae and their shapeshifting abilities adds a layer of mysticism and allure to the story, enriching the reader's experience with every page.
The romance between Ravyn and the Hawk Lord is both steamy and sweet, navigating through layers of discovery, mutual respect, and a shared burden of darkness. Their love story is not just about the physical attraction but also about understanding and accepting each other's inner demons. This depth of character development ensures that readers are invested in their relationship, rooting for their success against both external threats and internal struggles.
The novel also excels in its exploration of themes such as honor, loyalty, and the battle between light and darkness within one's self. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, providing a thought-provoking backdrop to the action and romance. The humor sprinkled throughout the story, much of it courtesy of Ravyn's perspective, provides a delightful balance to the tension, ensuring that the novel doesn't become weighed down by its more serious elements.
In conclusion, "The Hawk Soul" is a captivating read for fans of M/M fantasy romance. It delivers a perfect blend of adventure, romance, and a touch of humor, all set in a richly imagined world that readers will be eager to explore further. The dynamic between Ravyn and the Hawk Lord is both complex and deeply satisfying, making their journey a compelling tale of love, growth, and acceptance. This novel is a testament to the power of love to triumph over darkness, making it a must-read for anyone looking for an epic, steamy romance filled with heart, soul, and the occasional winged escape.
The journey across Alantri is fraught with peril from monstrous creatures known as Farungal, testing their skills, resolve, and the burgeoning heat between them. The author skillfully crafts a narrative that blends action-packed sequences with deep emotional currents. Ravyn's initial simplicity is beautifully contrasted with the Hawk Lord's complexity, both in power and in the darkness that lurks within him. This contrast sets the stage for a relationship that is as tumultuous as it is passionate.
What makes "The Hawk Soul" stand out is its rich world-building. The continent of Alantri is vividly depicted, hosting a variety of landscapes that are as enchanting as they are dangerous. The presence of the Fae and their shapeshifting abilities adds a layer of mysticism and allure to the story, enriching the reader's experience with every page.
The romance between Ravyn and the Hawk Lord is both steamy and sweet, navigating through layers of discovery, mutual respect, and a shared burden of darkness. Their love story is not just about the physical attraction but also about understanding and accepting each other's inner demons. This depth of character development ensures that readers are invested in their relationship, rooting for their success against both external threats and internal struggles.
The novel also excels in its exploration of themes such as honor, loyalty, and the battle between light and darkness within one's self. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, providing a thought-provoking backdrop to the action and romance. The humor sprinkled throughout the story, much of it courtesy of Ravyn's perspective, provides a delightful balance to the tension, ensuring that the novel doesn't become weighed down by its more serious elements.
In conclusion, "The Hawk Soul" is a captivating read for fans of M/M fantasy romance. It delivers a perfect blend of adventure, romance, and a touch of humor, all set in a richly imagined world that readers will be eager to explore further. The dynamic between Ravyn and the Hawk Lord is both complex and deeply satisfying, making their journey a compelling tale of love, growth, and acceptance. This novel is a testament to the power of love to triumph over darkness, making it a must-read for anyone looking for an epic, steamy romance filled with heart, soul, and the occasional winged escape.
September 26, 2022
AS I CANNOT RATE THE ENTIRE SERIES ON GOODREADS, I'LL PUT IT HERE. TRIGGER WARNINGS ABOUND!
Good first, then a list of the really, really bad triggers. It's bad, and the sad thing is I honestly don't think the author is aware as she has trigger warnings for some things, just not these, and these can be especially problematic for the LGBTQIA+ community. I have read all of the released books free on Kindle Unlimited.
I like the premise of this series: a war, heroes, true love, magic. I don't even mind the fact that they are not standalones and are repetitive. Really repetitive. Really, really repetitive. There are 12 races, mist-separated lands, elevators, we know. Yes, the plots are identical to each other for the most part (except for 7 - Falcon. That one is really different, and it works), but most romance novels are equally as identical - we read them for the characters, the heart, the heat, not necessarily the plot.
The really, really bad: THESE STORIES ARE TRIGGERING. Borderline abusive relationships in several (1 and 7 being the worst offenders, but at least its meant to be bad in 7. The wolf one is also a bit troubling).
Internalised homophobia -4- where bottoming is considered weak (womanly. Yeah.).
Forced feminisation -2- Wroxham gets resolved, but is bordering on misogyny and (again) internalised homophobia in some ways and doesn't get resolved other than "love! and soulmates!" but the underlying issues are not addressed.
Bi-phobia. Yeah. Lots of that. It's a threat to the relationship; pick a side; it didn't mean anything; they're evil exs because... It's problematic.
Consent. Some stories are labelled about consent, but that is not the consent I'm talking about. Insta-love stories with almost insta-sex are great, hot, fun fantasy. These are insta-attraction. That works. Mostly. The problem is that several couples are forced to change orientations (not all-pan - literally straight/gay one day, meet valorian, now gay-for-you [straight for you off camera]). In 4, change dominance- yes, top=dom=power=rank.) Sometimes, even though they are fated, boundaries are forced or broken. The characters are not raped by their partners (explicitly stated in 7, which is the most NC of the books), but I'm very uncomfortable with just how far the boundaries are pushed. I think the general idea is the old "If he loves you....." Not in 2022
Also, get captured by the enemy? Threats to rape if not actual sexual assaults. In not a survivor, but to me it seems like it takes a horrific event and downplays it as a trope for poison ice-monsters rather than a real horror.
Good first, then a list of the really, really bad triggers. It's bad, and the sad thing is I honestly don't think the author is aware as she has trigger warnings for some things, just not these, and these can be especially problematic for the LGBTQIA+ community. I have read all of the released books free on Kindle Unlimited.
I like the premise of this series: a war, heroes, true love, magic. I don't even mind the fact that they are not standalones and are repetitive. Really repetitive. Really, really repetitive. There are 12 races, mist-separated lands, elevators, we know. Yes, the plots are identical to each other for the most part (except for 7 - Falcon. That one is really different, and it works), but most romance novels are equally as identical - we read them for the characters, the heart, the heat, not necessarily the plot.
The really, really bad: THESE STORIES ARE TRIGGERING. Borderline abusive relationships in several (1 and 7 being the worst offenders, but at least its meant to be bad in 7. The wolf one is also a bit troubling).
Internalised homophobia -4- where bottoming is considered weak (womanly. Yeah.).
Forced feminisation -2- Wroxham gets resolved, but is bordering on misogyny and (again) internalised homophobia in some ways and doesn't get resolved other than "love! and soulmates!" but the underlying issues are not addressed.
Bi-phobia. Yeah. Lots of that. It's a threat to the relationship; pick a side; it didn't mean anything; they're evil exs because... It's problematic.
Consent. Some stories are labelled about consent, but that is not the consent I'm talking about. Insta-love stories with almost insta-sex are great, hot, fun fantasy. These are insta-attraction. That works. Mostly. The problem is that several couples are forced to change orientations (not all-pan - literally straight/gay one day, meet valorian, now gay-for-you [straight for you off camera]). In 4, change dominance- yes, top=dom=power=rank.) Sometimes, even though they are fated, boundaries are forced or broken. The characters are not raped by their partners (explicitly stated in 7, which is the most NC of the books), but I'm very uncomfortable with just how far the boundaries are pushed. I think the general idea is the old "If he loves you....." Not in 2022
Also, get captured by the enemy? Threats to rape if not actual sexual assaults. In not a survivor, but to me it seems like it takes a horrific event and downplays it as a trope for poison ice-monsters rather than a real horror.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2022
I tried hard to really like this but there were just too many things pulling me away from that liking. First and foremost are the MCs. Ravyn is an over-sexualized man-child. There wasn’t a single scene throughout that he didn’t turn to sexual thoughts or actual sex. It didn’t make sense to me that this is a man “The Goddess” chose to make a Valorian (a human converted to a Fae). Then there’s Dalsharan,”Dal” The Hawk Lord. As much as the author tried to portray him as a great benevolent leader, it didn’t hide the fact that he was downright abusive, both emotionally and physically, to Ravyn. The things he said and did to that man and still had the nerve to claim he loved him. And Ravyn tolerated it. Oh, he got mad and would tell Dal off and then turn around and forgive him because he “loved” him. Every sex scene, and there were a lot - too many - contained some level of abuse. If Ravyn was consenting, then it was quite dubious at best.
But beyond the abusive relationship, the whole world building didn’t feel right. We told almost nothing about the human world and the Fae world with its crazy hierarchy was rather confusing to follow. There were an awful lot of monarchs amongst the Fae.
This is a world where the armies fight using medieval weaponry, the Fae are shapeshifters with huge gleaming palaces that have……elevators. Really? Elevators. Add to that the typos and formatting problems that took me out of the story, and I find I was just very disappointed. The final battle scene in this one introduces us to Luca, the new Valorian who is the focus of the next story. But considering the set-up also implies it is a Gay-for-you relationship, I think I’ll pass.
But beyond the abusive relationship, the whole world building didn’t feel right. We told almost nothing about the human world and the Fae world with its crazy hierarchy was rather confusing to follow. There were an awful lot of monarchs amongst the Fae.
This is a world where the armies fight using medieval weaponry, the Fae are shapeshifters with huge gleaming palaces that have……elevators. Really? Elevators. Add to that the typos and formatting problems that took me out of the story, and I find I was just very disappointed. The final battle scene in this one introduces us to Luca, the new Valorian who is the focus of the next story. But considering the set-up also implies it is a Gay-for-you relationship, I think I’ll pass.
December 17, 2021
It wasn’t bad but…
So this is gonna be a bit of a spoiler but It was a little hard to get through the first half, the abuse was head turning and that wasn’t even the worst bit. The romanticizing of it was a bit much. We start off with Dal spanking him to the point of bloody and Rayvn runs away. Their mutual friend comforts him and basically tells him to give Dal the benefit of the doubt and explains why he’s the way that he is- as if that makes it better but whatever…I guess. Fast forward to their next disagreement, a comrade calls Rayvn a degrading name which Dal eventually gets Rayvn to give up the details of so he can enact a punishment to the comrade for the disrespect, fine, but Rayvn tries for leniency with Dal again for his comrade sake because the men in the army are his family…he gets a backhand for his troubles and thirty seconds later their making out and Rayvn though now being alienated by his brothers in arms basically becomes fine with it saying Dal is all he needs after all, on top of basically saying he wanted to be mad but couldn’t because no one had ever done something like that for him (standing up for and punishing someone for him) ….that was almost my last straw cause the red flags are crimson. Like the warning says, abuse but in my opinion it’s not slight in the least plus the casual way everyone’s okay with it in the book…he’s not even the only one who gets abused. Then theirs also the rape sodomizing with an object…it’s a lot in such a short period. If you can get past that then yeah the book isn’t half bad. Though he warned you gotta get through more than half the book to get past the abuse.
So this is gonna be a bit of a spoiler but It was a little hard to get through the first half, the abuse was head turning and that wasn’t even the worst bit. The romanticizing of it was a bit much. We start off with Dal spanking him to the point of bloody and Rayvn runs away. Their mutual friend comforts him and basically tells him to give Dal the benefit of the doubt and explains why he’s the way that he is- as if that makes it better but whatever…I guess. Fast forward to their next disagreement, a comrade calls Rayvn a degrading name which Dal eventually gets Rayvn to give up the details of so he can enact a punishment to the comrade for the disrespect, fine, but Rayvn tries for leniency with Dal again for his comrade sake because the men in the army are his family…he gets a backhand for his troubles and thirty seconds later their making out and Rayvn though now being alienated by his brothers in arms basically becomes fine with it saying Dal is all he needs after all, on top of basically saying he wanted to be mad but couldn’t because no one had ever done something like that for him (standing up for and punishing someone for him) ….that was almost my last straw cause the red flags are crimson. Like the warning says, abuse but in my opinion it’s not slight in the least plus the casual way everyone’s okay with it in the book…he’s not even the only one who gets abused. Then theirs also the rape sodomizing with an object…it’s a lot in such a short period. If you can get past that then yeah the book isn’t half bad. Though he warned you gotta get through more than half the book to get past the abuse.
March 14, 2021
Full disclosure: I DNFed at 39%/chapter 17, so these are my thoughts up to that point.
The blurb was intriguing, but it played out in basically the first 25% of the book. The pacing is abysmal, with key points being lost in throwaway text. (I’m still not sure exactly how Ravyn retrieved the Coyote Soul, for one. It all but magically appeared in his pocket.) I was hoping the characterization would make up for it, but... yeah, not so much.
Ravyn started out appealing, one-track mind aside, but by the time I quit he'd started to lose his spine in favor of his dick. He caved to every whim of the Hawk Lord, who I think was supposed to behave like a dom but instead just came across as a spoiled child who didn't know how to take care of his toys. I quit after the Hawk Lord "disciplined" Ravyn with a belt until he was bloody and sobbing, which I guess was supposed to be a preamble to sexytimes? Yeah, not so much.
The tone of writing overall didn't carry me through the distasteful dynamics, either. The author has a lot of room to grow. Everything was too casual for the setting, almost flippant, and everything that wasn't sex (or abuse) was rushed.
The bones were there, but it was almost like they were from different sources, mixed together by mistake. They didn't mesh well, and in the end, the resulting creature didn't work for me. If you're more tolerant of unnecessary snark and abuse than I am, more power to you, but this is staying on my DNF shelf.
The blurb was intriguing, but it played out in basically the first 25% of the book. The pacing is abysmal, with key points being lost in throwaway text. (I’m still not sure exactly how Ravyn retrieved the Coyote Soul, for one. It all but magically appeared in his pocket.) I was hoping the characterization would make up for it, but... yeah, not so much.
Ravyn started out appealing, one-track mind aside, but by the time I quit he'd started to lose his spine in favor of his dick. He caved to every whim of the Hawk Lord, who I think was supposed to behave like a dom but instead just came across as a spoiled child who didn't know how to take care of his toys. I quit after the Hawk Lord "disciplined" Ravyn with a belt until he was bloody and sobbing, which I guess was supposed to be a preamble to sexytimes? Yeah, not so much.
The tone of writing overall didn't carry me through the distasteful dynamics, either. The author has a lot of room to grow. Everything was too casual for the setting, almost flippant, and everything that wasn't sex (or abuse) was rushed.
The bones were there, but it was almost like they were from different sources, mixed together by mistake. They didn't mesh well, and in the end, the resulting creature didn't work for me. If you're more tolerant of unnecessary snark and abuse than I am, more power to you, but this is staying on my DNF shelf.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2023
Honestly for the first few chapters I'm going to leave this as a 2 stars, otherwise it just wasn't really for me.
The concept and word building was interesting, with the various species and the soul stones especially grabbed me. With the shifts, beasts and goddess along with the war. It's a great fantasy set up, the scenery and setting is amazing.
Sadly it took an extreme turn shortly after Dal and Ravyn get together, that just felt very abrupt and brutal. Abusive relationships aspects, that were dismissed by everyone due to past relationship and inner "beast".
I thought for a moment was looking to go to recovery and discussion, with Ravyns initial reaction which could have been great to see explored. However he sadly seemed to become resigned too it, as others dismissed him and told him it wasn't a problem.
The story only got worse from there, I lost all interest in their relationship as just seemed cruel and very heavily focused on sex. I don't intend to continue the series, having seen other reviews and from looks of it seems to be a continuing theme across all the books.
CW/TW:
The concept and word building was interesting, with the various species and the soul stones especially grabbed me. With the shifts, beasts and goddess along with the war. It's a great fantasy set up, the scenery and setting is amazing.
Sadly it took an extreme turn shortly after Dal and Ravyn get together, that just felt very abrupt and brutal. Abusive relationships aspects, that were dismissed by everyone due to past relationship and inner "beast".
I thought for a moment was looking to go to recovery and discussion, with Ravyns initial reaction which could have been great to see explored. However he sadly seemed to become resigned too it, as others dismissed him and told him it wasn't a problem.
The story only got worse from there, I lost all interest in their relationship as just seemed cruel and very heavily focused on sex. I don't intend to continue the series, having seen other reviews and from looks of it seems to be a continuing theme across all the books.
CW/TW:
April 10, 2021
Another DNF. This book had so much potential! But alas, there was simply TOO MUCH ABUSE! Seriously? Why is physical and emotional abuse even romanticized? There is nothing romantic about it.
Dal and Ravyn (really? Ravyn? Like raven> Only spelled with a y to make it sound more mystical?) started out good, but then It was too much.
And another thing that read as odd to me was
Too bad I had to DNF this one as it held a lot of promise. The writing was good, the premise super interesting, just too bad about all the abuse. I couldn't get past it. 1 star.
Dal and Ravyn (really? Ravyn? Like raven> Only spelled with a y to make it sound more mystical?) started out good, but then It was too much.
And another thing that read as odd to me was
Too bad I had to DNF this one as it held a lot of promise. The writing was good, the premise super interesting, just too bad about all the abuse. I couldn't get past it. 1 star.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews