The Leopard Soul

Soul Stones #3

by Amy Sumida

I didn't even like the man whose life I saved.

Kardri Vangrarre is my warlord; I serve as a captain in his army—the Leopard Army. I respect him, and even admire him, but I don't like him. At all. He's vain, arrogant, and way too public with his abundant love life. In fact, he was right in the middle of one of his freaky, public orgies when we were attacked. I acted purely on instinct when I pushed him out of the way. I had no idea that I'd get hit instead, or that the green fireball would kill me. The Leopard Lord didn't have to save my life just because I saved his, but that's what he did. He used the Leopard Soul—a magical fae amulet—to give me a piece of his soul, and then his Goddess blessed me with an immortal fae body. And it's not just my body that's changed. I'm straight, I love the ladies. Or at least, I did. Now, I can't stop staring at Kardri, wondering what it would feel like to kiss him and run my hands over that beautiful raven skin. And he won't stop trying to seduce me, using his vast experience like a weapon. I feel like I'm on the losing side of a war. But that's just my personal problems. The greater issue is the new weapon the Farungal attacked us with, and how they created it. We need to focus on that but the more time I spend with Kardri, the more I start to think that losing one war might be just the thing we need to win the other. That is, if I can survive the Leopard Lord's embrace.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Shapeshifters, Fae, Magic, Gay For You, Romance

390 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2021

About the author

Amy 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.
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Reviews

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

by far the best till now. I liked the relationship between Kardri and Tristan as it is the first in this series, which is more or less equal.

and now I am really interested in the next book

[Kat reads romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why oh why do I keep reading this series? Because each book is better than the last. Congrats to the author! Nice to have an MC that actually stands up to his animal lord and the overall plot made more sense than the previous ones.
That being said, I don’t like the idea of “tops” and “bottoms” as they are portrayed in these books, with the “tops” as the dominant ones who perceive bottoming as demeaning ... kinda disrespectful to their partner and seems to play into certain harmful stereotypes as well as superimposing sexist tropes onto gay couples? Ah yes, we can never escape the patriarchy haha. There is the “woman” and the “man” in the relationship, and who tops and bottoms in these books fits with who the female figure would typically be in paranormal (the human) and who the male one would be (the immortal supernatural being with a big you-know-what) - I won’t get into the problems with that, it’s a whole other rant. There’s nothing wrong with people preferring certain roles in sex or dominant/submissive kink, but the way these books go with it is not the best direction. Especially considering the relationship abuse you see happening in the first book which is way over the top. However *whispers* the sex IS really hot sometimes so congrats on making me feel both turned on and annoyed at the same time
I plan to read the next one in the series! I cannot resist.

[Nile Princess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. Tristan was hilarious and Kar was awesome. I had a smile on my face throughout. Review to follow but I really want Storme to get a book!

[~TheBlasian~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Methinks this must cater to a certain group or those who really like this author based on these high ratings, because I can’t really get into this series despite how much I absolutely love the potential.

Like in the previous book, I didn’t care too much about the relationship. Again, I completely understand that we have a straight guy who has to fully accept being with a man, but it’s poorly executed. Maybe it’s because I have expectations for them to act like mature adults as seasoned warriors in war and not hormonal teenagers. I LOVE the GFY and sexual discovery troupe, but this didn’t really paint that picture.

As a whole, it’s a really decent storyline with a lot of potential for greatness, but the execution was incredibly lacking in character and depth. Everything felt so shallow and forced, same as the previous book.

I absolutely loved that Tristan constantly sought to take the mature road, but sometimes that fell to the wayside. I thought we would get some real character growth from Kar, but it always felt like the mark was just missed and an opportunity was wasted to really paint a great moment.

Also, this author clearly has a thing for extreme OTT drama with verbal abuse, erroneous misunderstandings, and revelations of love with near death experiences.

[Daniel Brehm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this series 5 stars if it wasn't such formula writing. You have such a rich texture, characters, and ideas, and yet it just follows the formula of your other books. Do you understand how boring that is for your readers?

[Read2escape M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes

I was right I knew I would love the third book just as much as the second if not more it was hot it was kinky so much more I couldn’t be happier I love the relationship in the growth of these characters and I’m so excited for the next one this story shows more things happening in the war and how it all started

[Jesse Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third in Series Sexy & Good

Super steamy as I expected of the Leopard Warlord. Trys is the perfect soldier and the emotional rollercoaster is well written and believable. The world and the ongoing war keeps evolving. I’ll definitely be looking for book 4.

[Joscelyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

I cannot get enough of this series, each book just keeps drawing me in more. I really enjoy how each book has the story of the MCs and the story of the overall series arc woven together effortlessly. Book four can't come soon enough.

[Tashyka · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful

These books keep getting better and this one is my favorite so far. I love their banter, their friendship and the way they ultimately love each other. I can't wait for the next one.

[Kathy Beaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite yet

This series is so good his story is my favorite lots of snark drama and sexy scenes everything I want in a book great job look forward to more

[Theresa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Puting aside his unbelievable gay for you, Trys was a chick with a dick. His thought processes and behaviors were very feminized. DNF @ 50%.

[Dan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unlike the first two books in the series, this one I do truly dislike. Part of it has to do with the fact that I really dislike Kardri, he's arrogant, mean and slightly too violent for my liking. Part of it is that this book holds the weakest plot of the three I've read. The world has a lot of promise, but I'm losing faith that Amy can reach the potential the world offers.
As far as Kardri and Tristan, they're a mess. Tristan is likeable, but Kardri brings out the worst of him. When they're not in the erotica haze (which I've taken to skipping, I don't need whole chapters of sexy), they're in a very unhealthy cycle. Tristan does something that hurts Kardri in either his ego or his pride, Kar reacts with screaming and sometimes violence, Tristan gets upset, Kar does a sob act and Tristan rationalizes his bad behavior and forgives him. Beautiful soul where? When Kardri upsets Tristan, at least they talk about things! And to correct Tristan, slapping your partner mid argument is actually abuse and we shouldn't just lightly brush it off.
Plus, lord "I've given you enough time" threw a tantrum when his previously human, previously straight, previously near death valorian is not open to his advances mere two hours after near death and metaphysical transformation. That sets the tone of Kardri's issues with Tris. And the way they act as if Tristan was inferior for bein a bottom or the "woman position" is plain old sexist and really annoying. Respect your partner people!
I'm reading on because I don't want to lose hope, but the books are going downhill. Dalsharan from book 1 is looking like the image of gallantry by comparison, and I wasn't a fan when I read the book. I feel like a clown for it though.

[Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad I decided to give this author a second chance! I really enjoyed this. The storyline has a bit of a lighter feel than the first.

Kar is a Fae Leopard Lord in charge of an army. While he is skilled in the ways of sex (he routinely has public gay orgies in the war camp at night), he has little to no experience when it comes to love. Tristan or Tryst is a straight human warrior who thinks the Leopard Lord is an ass.

I really loved how these two came together and worked out their shit. Kar was sweet, patient, and loving towards Tryst once he became his Valorian, and Tryst was funny and blunt with a big heart who didn't want to take advantage of Kar's generosity. Did Kar try to seduce Tryst at every turn? Sure. But ultimately, it was Tryst who made the final move and showed Kar some much-needed love. One thing which irked me was the gay sex. It DID NOT read like gay sex at all. I am not sure if the author has a grasp on how sex works between men as there was never any mention of a prostate, and the penetration scenes read more like M/F than M/M, I was, at times, left shaking my head.

This is a really inventive fantasy series. I am definitely going to give the other books a try. My advice? Don't let the first book throw you off. The characterizations and storyline make up for it here! 4.35 stars.

[Danna Iuliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely my favorite book and couple of the series so far. Tristan was such a gem of a character, strong, hilarious just all around awesome. I loved how cool he was whenever Kar put his food in his mouth, yes Tristan had his moments to react impulsively but he quickly realized if he was right or wrong. What I love most ab this series is how unique the story of every couples is. Yes, there is the overall story but each couple has it s own troubles unique to them and I freaking love to see how different each character is, I don t get bored with these books and I never feel like the author is running out of imagination by reading the same thing over and over again. There were so many funny moments in this book, Tristan was such a character, his introduction to the royal family stands out to me, it was such a Tristan moment. Kar was great too, the lack of friends and his loneliness is especially heartbreaking bc noone saw it. Him and Tristan describing their relationship first and foremost as best friends was amazing and I loved that.

[Matthew Limb · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cheap Tropes, Weak Characterization

I really wanted to like this book. The writing and characterization made it insanely difficult to achieve that goal. This story relies on cheap and tired tropes. There is so much missed opportunity for engaging in a lot of depth and layers with Tristan. This book feels like an overly sweet treat that sours in the mouth and causes cavities. The author took the easy, simple route again and again rather than create something compelling. If you want something that makes a mockery of queer folks and the reality of how they move through the world and reduces them to vapid, horny little sex objects (but doesn't even make the sex that interesting), then this book is for you.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series just keeps getting better

I am really enjoying this series of books. The mix of shifters, magic, adventure, war, gods and much more is combined really well into a very enjoyable tale. I like the individual romances but the backstory of this world and the characters in it is incredibly compelling to read. I am supposed to be doing other things but I find that I just have to keep reading. If you can’t tell I recommend this book and this series.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have enjoyed every book so far but I agree with others that every book has gotten better--looking forward to the next book, The Fox Soul. Tristan is such a great character--cocky and playful, with alot of common sense. I really liked the way Kar and Tryst responded to each other--made the story.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Green Death and Kinky Warlords

Tryst and Kar are not what I think of as the perfect pair.

This book was more about the MC struggle then there fated bond. Both had major hurdles to overcome, as individuals and to work as a pair. Add in death gods, jealous ex's and a possessive goddess well that makes for a good read!

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

It continues

So with each book installment the story builds. I liked this story as well as the characters. The twist of the new characters was interesting as well as historical perspective. Looking forward to reading the next installment.

[John-Torleif Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tristan was awesome

This was, by far, the best in this series so far. I like that we learn more about the Farungal and what happened to them in this book. I liked that Tristan was firm and fair, but also that he was willing to acknowledge when he was in the wrong.

[Shannon Shameh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love fair lore.

This is a well-done book if haven't read it then and I am proof that it can be enjoyed without reading others but hopefully, unlike me, you have read the first two and are on your seats to see how it all will work out. Enjoy.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rarely actually laugh at comedy books but this one had me laughing out loud a ton.

I would have liked this more if the sexual tension was ramped up more. They hooked up too fast for my tastes.

Also, I could have done without 80% of the plot. It just didn’t add anything for me.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably my favorite of all of them.

[Sallyann Points · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!!

This book is by far my favorite one in this series...well so far anyway. I loved Tristans attitude and humour. Loved the development of their friendship and love.

[Shanelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[llv · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3 stars

It took over half the book for me to warm up to Trystan. I found him a bit obnoxious and irritating. Overall, the book was okay.

[Jes Jester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my FAVE of the series, thus far. Well, this and #5. I loved the back-and-forth between the Valorian and his War Lord. The War Lord in this book is the most vibrant and well developed. He has the most growth and I feel like (maybe) the author has a special spot for this amazing character. I can't wait to REREAD this book all over again, like ASAP.

[White Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally a relationship that takes its time.
Their relationship starts with friendships.
Yes there were moments that upset me, but their sons have understanding and forgiveness.
In the end there was an understanding that the relationship takes time and work of the characters.