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The Ancient Souls #1

Nation of the Sun

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Amari has a perfect life. She's a successful food critic, and is marrying a high flying human rights lawyer. But the day before her wedding, a stranger, Caspar, tries to solicit her help. She sends him away, but can't shake the feeling that she knows him.

When Amari's new husband has to leave the country before their honeymoon, Amari tells Caspar she'll help him. But Amari and Caspar are attacked by an assassin, forcing them into hiding at the London headquarters of the Pagan Nation. Here, she discovers she's an ancient and powerful demon, someone who reincarnates, and that Caspar is her soulmate.

As she's drawn into Caspar's world of standing stones and feuding nations, Amari can't deny the deep connection that pulses between them. But she can't remember her past, she has a husband, and finds herself torn between two irreconcilable lives. And not only that, but the Pagans have secrets they refuse to reveal: Why did Amari avoid Caspar for a hundred years? And what happened between Amari and the leader of a rival nation in the past? To determine if she can trust Caspar, if she should help him, she must wake her demon soul, and bring back her memories. For one thing is certain: when that happens, the tables will turn.

A Discovery of Witches meets the magic of Outlander in this unique series. Pick up Nation of the Sun now for a past-meets-present romp in HR Moore's pacey style.

Trigger warnings for violence and kidnap. Contains adult content and ends on a cliffhanger.

326 pages, Paperback

First published June 20, 2021

193 people are currently reading
1534 people want to read

About the author

H.R. Moore

19 books158 followers
HR Moore writes romantic fantasy, romantasy, fantasy romance, and paranormal romance.

All HR's books contain strong women, high stakes, plot twists, adventure, found family and plenty of romance, with charaters willing to burn down the current order to change things for the better.

She resides in the UK, loves audiobooks, and lives for book club.

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5 stars
124 (31%)
4 stars
133 (33%)
3 stars
103 (25%)
2 stars
29 (7%)
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11 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
2 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2021
Highly recommend Nation of the Sun to fans of JLA, Calia Read, and Veronica Roth -- or anyone who likes well-written fantasy with a good helping of romance.

As an avid fantasy reader, I was intrigued by the reincarnation premise as it felt quite fresh and was pleased to find that HR Moore doesn't rely on the standard romance troupes. This book really felt like something new and special.

Amari is one of my all-time favourite lead characters. I love that she is a bit older (and wiser) than your typical leading lady and is generally such a badass. Can't wait to learn more about her in the next book (which I need NOW)

I gobbled up Nation of the Sun in a couple sittings. I actually started reading it on a tram and missed my stop from being so engrossed in the plot.

I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Can't wait for this book to be out in the world for all to enjoy!
Profile Image for Lillie.
401 reviews4 followers
February 16, 2024
3.75

The concept was very interesting, but the execution of it wasn't as great in my opinion. I felt intrigued, yet bored throughout my time reading this. I wish I could love it, but it still is a good book within its own right. It just was not for me personally.
Profile Image for Amber.
498 reviews8 followers
June 13, 2021
4.25 Oh this was so good! This book has everything I love in fantasy realism. The world building is brilliant! I loved the aspect of reincarnation it was done so well. At the heart of this book is a love of a lifetime. I can't wait for book 2.

I received this arc in exchange for a honest review.
Profile Image for olivia miss_ipkiss_reads.
406 reviews926 followers
July 14, 2021
Huge thank you to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm desperately looking for a new fantasy romance to obsess over, so when this ARC came to me I was instantly taken by the premise (fantasy romance with reincarnation? sign me up). I was intrigued by the first couple chapters, but as the story progressed I really struggled to relate and invest in the characters/world. This reads like a first draft of a fantastic story; the bones are there but it's lacking compelling dialogue and world building. I struggled to get passed 25% for a couple weeks and ended up DNF'ing. A heavy edit would have smoothed out the world building and made the dialogue feel more natural. If you aren't a stickler for solid world building right out the gate, it's worth giving this one a shot. Although this wasn't for me, I have a feeling that fans of FBAA and A Touch of Darkness might really connect with this one.


4 star concept
2 star execution
rounded to 3 stars because there is potential in this story, just wasn't for me

Profile Image for Fernanda Ceballos.
187 reviews60 followers
July 15, 2022
2.75 ⭐️

Altho the premise and the storyline seemed new and exciting at first the execution was poorly done.

This story for sure is a diamond in the rough.

A more polished worldbuilding and dialogue would’ve delivered a more dynamic and fun novell, even the tomance felt a tad lackluster in my humble opinion.

Really liked the idea of the nations but they felt really convoluted and not well explained.

The only character that felt a bit more dimensional was Caspar our love interest, for the Mc I felt a huge disconnection between the first and the second part… I get what the author was trying to do but I feel that disconnection was bc of a bad character transition.

Anyhow, I really think people who are looking for an urban fantasy romance with a good pacing and short format will love this one!
Profile Image for Megan (sporadic hiatus due to law school).
1,124 reviews11 followers
November 13, 2021
Rating: 2.3/5.0

I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving a voluntary and honest review.

Meh.

Nation of the Sun had a decent idea, but I admit, I was bored out of my mind 20% of the way through. The buildup of the demon reveal and the beginning introduction of the demon world was good, but after that, it started dragging. After the second group of assassins, there wasn't a lot pushing the characters.

The concept of demon nations didn't seem the best, too. It felt more like the author did some research on various religious groups and gave them a name and called them demons. The nations that had characters that we met were developed and seemed to have decent research concerning the religion they were based on, but the others that were mentioned and explained in passing read like a Wikipedia article and were out of place.

I don't see why religion became such a large factor to these demons, either. I didn't understand why their nations were pretty much all based on some religion, and the later assassin started spouting about God and His purpose for the demons and then he started praying - what? Where did that come from? I don't know if this is typical Hunter/assassin/other people who kill demon behavior because it's not really explained and we never get to see anybody else to compare them to. Again with the out-of-place, kind of questionable religious additions to the book.

And the whole 'I've-known-you-all-my-life-so-I'm-leaving-my-husband' fell flat to me. It would be understandable if it was Raina and she had awoken, but it was still Amari. Yes, leaving her husband because he was a pure human and couldn't handle the truth made sense. However, getting with Caspar while still being married - and annulling her marriage just to get with him - didn't make sense for a human. She doesn't have any memories of her past lives, and while she feels an attraction towards Caspar and remembers flashbacks of their time together, I don't think that justifies cheating with him and annulling her two/three-day-old marriage.

Amari is a human. (Ish) She has human memories of her life and various flashes of some others. I feel like there should have been more to her human relationship with Caspar than just 'my past selves seemed to like you, might as well hop to it then'. Her character doesn't strike me as the type to be impulsive, and that entire relationship felt too impulsive. (I also didn't like that in order to make Amari not seem as much of a jerk for dumping Dean, he skipped their honeymoon to go to work, where he never really talks about work except to apologize a couple of times for leaving.)

I don't think I'll read the second one. I'm not at all motivated to finish the series, which is saying a lot. It just doesn't seem worth it to spend a week reading a couple of hundred pages because they're so bland.
Profile Image for Tiff Talks Pages.
93 reviews198 followers
May 2, 2021
4.5

“Their demon lives spun around each other, their souls, like magnets, pulled back together in every lifetime.”

The story begins right on time okay. We meet the hero Caspar when he has finally found his soulmate after having searching for decades. Except this is the day before Amari is to be married to someone else and she has yet to awaken. Amari isn’t the love of Caspar’s life but of many.

In this life Amari is a food critic about to start a life with the man of her dreams when Caspar poses as a government agent seeking her aid. She agrees to help him after her husband is called away on business and an assassin attempt speeds up Casper’s timeline. He informs her that she is an Ancient demon that has been reincarnated and that her subconscious knows that he is her soulmate.

And Amari is thrust into this new world and tumultuous political landscape of demon nations and reveries of past lives with one constant that Is Caspar. Ughhh. He is gone for her and devoted. Due to her reincarnation, Amari is caught between two warring consciousnesses. Caspar is desperately trying to wake her, but also fears her leaving - since she’s avoided him the last two lifetimes 😉.

The side characters are hilarious, developed, and feel like found family. Almost like a demon heist squad for the Pagan Nation.

Everything unfolds as Amari is learning about this new world. I had questions along the way, but they do get answered. This is truly a love that spans across the annals of time.

***warning*** this does end on a cliffhanger.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lori.
881 reviews5 followers
May 12, 2024
I loved this!! - love me some demons! And a good love story, mix the two and its *chefs kiss*.

Amari has everything she wants, or does she? - she’s just about to get married when Caspar lands in her life and turns her world upside down.

There’s nothing more romantic to me than love stories spanning many lifetimes, you’d do anything to be reunited with your person, and this book is that, plus awesome badassery, fights, demons, everything!

Its SO good.
Profile Image for Nancy (The Avid Reader).
3,063 reviews128 followers
June 10, 2021
Caspar has been searching for his soulmate, Amari for many, many years in this lifetime that is. You see Caspar is a demon and so is his soulmate, Amari. This is not the first time Caspar has been separated from his soulmate as it has been going on for many, many lifetimes. And each lifetime Amari has no idea that she is a demon until she is awakened. But Caspar hopes to find her before that happens so he can help her.

In this lifetime Caspar finds Amari the day before her wedding. Caspar hopes to take his time in revealing to Amari that she is a demon. When he finally does find her they are chased by a demon hunter who is trying to kill Amari. Now Caspar must speed up his process of telling Amari who she is before she is killed.

I always love reading about soulmates and past lifetimes. I like that Caspar already knew he was a demon but is that only because he was already awake? I liked that Amari had not woken yet. I liked that Caspar had to awaken her. I also liked that they could remember their past lives.

Nation of the Sun is not quite like any book I have read before although it has some strong resemblance to others it is still a unique story all its own and with its own path to follow. It has its own style and uniqueness. The characters all bring their own creativity and uniqueness to the story as well.

Nation of the Sun is loaded with so many twists, twist that I never saw coming. There was this one big gigantic twist there at the end that really shocked me to the core. But one that put a smile on my face. It was surprising and shocking but I loved it. I can’t wait to see what else Casper and Amari have on their agendas in book two of The Ancient Souls Series.

I highly recommend Nation of the Sun to all fans of soulmates and reincarnation. One-click your copy of this epic novel, Nation of the Sun today!
Profile Image for Mariya T (msbookworld).
390 reviews7 followers
June 20, 2021
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Paper Myths Media in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

This is a pretty short book, but really hard to put down and so well done! Having just finished “Nation of the Sun” I already can’t wait for the next book to come out so that I can find out how Raina and Caspar get themselves out of the tight spot they are in.

This has been one of the few books that I’ve read recently where I can’t find a single thing I would have liked to see done differently. I love the idea of soulmates and reincarnation. I think I was first introduced to the idea via Marion Zimmer Bradley’s “Mists of Avalon” and I was hooked. In “Nation of the Sun” Amari instantly feels a connection to Caspar although she is obviously hesitant to give into it at first. In some ways this is a story of two people with a LOT of history falling in love with one another all over again. I was very impressed by how HR Moore pulled off a slow burn romance so well despite this being a relatively short novel.

I also loved the mythology of this world. I’m curious to learn more details regarding how demons reincarnate, but I thought it was cool how the eyes need to be intact as they are the windows to the soul. Also I enjoyed the idea that a lot of famous inventors and artists were demons able to do what they did thanks to centuries of experience.

This was a 5 out of 5 for me. If you are a fan of urban fantasy definitely check this one out! “Nation of the Sun” is out today and if you are interested you can get it at http://bit.ly/PMNationoftheSun

For more reviews like this check out my blog at reviewsbym.com
Profile Image for Amy Woods.
257 reviews14 followers
September 29, 2021
This could have been so good! To say I’m disappointed is an understatement. Not only was the depiction of paganism sloppy as hell and the author’s lack of actual research so obvious, but the “nations” are based around religious ideologies, many of which from indigenous groups. It reeked of the author taking from cultures they potentially don’t belong to, as if they had a right to use them in this story.

Not to mention that not only was there a pagan nation, but there was one that was meant to make the reader think of native Americans. I’m guessing “wakan” is a word that means something to some indigenous nations in North America, I couldn’t say for sure, be sure to check with own voices reviewers there. Yet “smudging” with sage is mentioned as a pagan activity when it is actually something that indigenous Americans do. Other than this, pagans are treated as some Celtic religion, similar to what many celtic reconstructionists might do.

The other thing that felt ick to me what the capitalisation of “white” in character descriptions as if it means the same thing as when “black” is capitalised. It smacked of a lack of education at best. Potentially racist at worst. I’m really not sure I’ll read the second book when it comes out, but I’m really disheartened at the fact this could have been brilliant and it missed the mark in so many ways.

Oh and “abor*gine” is a GIANT no-no, I can tell you as an Australian, and it was dropped in this novel at least twice.

On reflection, I’ve decided to drop this to two stars.
Profile Image for S.L. Prater.
Author 21 books332 followers
January 14, 2022
I recently finished a buddy read of this compelling book! The concept of demon lovers pulled together over time through reincarnation pushed it to the top of my TBR pile. It opens after Caspar, our MMC, has just discovered that his reincarnated lady love is sleeping in the body of unsuspecting FMC Amari. Their first meeting is charged with tension because although the demon Raina has not yet awoken within her, equipped with several lifetimes of memories shared with Caspar, our FMC feels drawn to him all the same and knows he's something special. But she's supposed to get married TOMORROW!

The ANGST! I loved it. Plus we get little hints along the way that despite their love, Raina might be very angry with Caspar when she finally wakes up, and for good reason, making me extra eager for the big moment. The mystery kept me turning the pages.

Caspar is an excellent book boyfriend. I ate up his relentless pursuit of our heroine, his devotion, his love. This book is steamy, which suited me fine. I'd happily spend many lifetimes doing steamy things with Caspar 😉 It ends on a brutal cliffhanger, and there's a twist that I won't spoil for you that gave me All. The. Feels. I passionately love-hate cliffhangers. I'm eager for book 2 which comes out Feb. 1st. It's marked on my calendar.
Profile Image for Lacy.
407 reviews13 followers
June 9, 2021
A fantasy built around our world with secret internal nations on the verge of war.

With fantastical magics and demons that live longer than the average human through reincarnation.

Soul mates and forever pairs. Finding one another across time and space and in between no matter the longing or waiting one must endure.

Action and adventure. Romance and sensuality. Heightened stakes. A game of chance and chase.

This is what awaits you if you're willing to pick up this novel. An exhilarating read.

Caspar and Amari find each other at the most awkward of times and yet....they indeed FIND each other. Battling internal struggles and dodging external forces of evil that wish to destroy them and their world while navigating the unknown.

With memories that are elusive, dangerous things as reincarnation takes time to slap the so-called newly awakened demon Amari in the face with reality. Is it any wonder this novel keeps you on your toes, wondering what will happen next?

Amari is a demon. Not human. They exist among a new world she knows precious little of and Caspar is there to catch her if she falls. If their past doesn't threaten the truce and newly budding romance before they're torn apart, that is.

Somehow they have to hold tight to each other and save the world while everyone and everything falls apart around them. Lies. Secrets. They must survive it all and more.

Let's just say, you're missing out if you don't read this novel!
Profile Image for Meigan.
1,377 reviews77 followers
June 23, 2021
A delightful love story that spans centuries, NATION OF THE SUN is the first book in a brilliant new fantasy series from author H.R. Moore. With demons, Pagans, magic, and romance, the world that Moore created was so immersive and intricate, and I loved how slowly the different pieces were revealed. There’s also an air of mystery as readers are kept at the edge of their seats waiting for Amari to finally wake as her demon self, and the wait was *totally* worth it.


With plenty of twists and turns, the pacing kept me glued to the pages. The end hints at much more to come in this fantastic new world, and I’ll certainly be picking up book 2 when it hits shelves.


*Many thanks to PaperMyths Media and the author for the free copy.
Profile Image for Graceley Knox.
Author 52 books1,048 followers
June 21, 2021
For all of us who have been dying to find our next obsession a la A Discovery of Witches and Outlander, H.R. Moore has created an enchantingly intricate new world, that is not only original in its magic system but familiar in so many ways. Anyone who's been to London will feel as though they're right there with Amari as she discovers the hidden world within the only one she's ever known. Secrets, sexy demons, and standing stones, oh my...Nation of the Sun is hands down one of my favorite fantasy romances this year, and despite the fact that I'm grumpy that I can't read the next books ASAP (because I'm OBSESSED), I can't wait to dive back into the Ancient Souls series and unravel all the secrets that have yet to be revealed!
Profile Image for Laura.
2,495 reviews83 followers
March 2, 2023
I was excited to give this audiobook a try.
While I enjoyed the narrator I was unable to connect with the main character.
The narrator Alyse Gibbs gave the main character a wonderful accent. She used a variety of tones and inflections to an array of characters.
For me there was an overwhelming amount of character’s and the world building was a bit confusing for me.
I wasn’t a fan (slight spoiler), of the cheating.
The book was a slow pace read, but towards the end it picked up pace.
This is perfect for fantasy readers who enjoy books about reincarnation with an interesting premise.
Special thanks to the author and MTMC tours for the gifted copy.
Profile Image for Fu reads.
84 reviews13 followers
June 14, 2021
Amari has a perfect life and she is about to get married, but the day before her wedding she meets Caspar, a stranger that wants her help with a matter of national security. Between them there is an instant connection and she can’t shake the feeling that she knows him. Right after the wedding her now husband goes on a work trip and she decides to contact Caspar again. That’s how she discovers that she is actually an ancient demon, someone that reincarnates, and Caspar’s soulmate. Amari can’t deny the connection between them, but at the same time she doesn’t remember her past.

“Like that word, love, bandied around so freely in these modern times, could even begin to convey the deep history that beat between them. Like a slinky stretched thin, just when he thought it would snap, a pulse would come barreling down the line, smashing into him, battering his heart.”

This book was so good and unexpected! It felt like something new and fresh. The story is well written, with an excellent pacing and great world building. I really connected with the characters: Amari is a strong woman that finds herself is an unexpected situation and still tries to make the best out of it. She is extremely confused about all the revelations about herself and she is also eaten by guilt because of her connection with Caspar.
That twist at the ending really caught me by surprise… now I really need to find out how she will get out of that situation!!
1 review
May 3, 2021
I was sent an advanced copy of Nation Of The Sun in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely adored this book and couldn't put it down - I read it in one day! The story gripped me from the start and the characters were fab. I was hooked on the character development and the love story and the twists and turns really did come out of nowhere.

I cannot wait to read the next installment and see what happens next!
Profile Image for Kaitlyn Kelly.
51 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2021
I was provided an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review💖!

I really enjoyed this book. The premise sounded really interesting and it definitely delivered !
I really enjoyed how MC the started out as a dormant demon and that we got to meet her as a human named Amari.
Amari and Caspar are so good together and I loved seeing their love blossom.
The side characters are so funny, and definitely made for some great scenes 😂!
I was not sure what would go down once Raina, the demon, awakened but was pleasantly surprised. I love plot twists and this book had a big one, I can't believe I didn't see it coming ! I can't wait for book 2 ! That ending 😫.
Profile Image for The Pursuit Of Bookiness.
116 reviews9 followers
January 12, 2022
What’s the sign of a good book to you? For me, it’s a books ability to close me off to from the outside world. A good book pulls me into it even when there’s chaos all around….people could be talking to me and if the book is good then it won’t even register.

That is what Nation of the Sun has the ability to do; for two days I’ve been a slave to Casper and Raina and it’s not the first time H.R Moore has transported me into a fantasy world.

Love can traverse lifetimes, but can it survive in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds? Gripping, exciting and excruciating…..A conventional love story in a very unconventional world.

Nation of the Sun is the start of a new series by H R Moore (Want to learn more about her other series The Relic Trilogy? Check out the link at the bottom. The story follows the relationship of Amari and Casper as they navigate through the tricky business of reincarnation. Both demons, though Amari doesn’t know it, or quite believe it yet, in the first part of the book Casper spends his time trying to awaken Raina (Amari’s Demon name), the demon within who sleeps. The second part of the book, Raina wakes and picks up her mission where she left off in her previous life….to stop the war.

Book one in a series ends with a cliff-hanger that H. R. Moore does so well, it will definitely have you reaching for the next in the series.

The story cleverly pulls together many of our real world myths and folklore to create the Demon nations’ traditions and rules, from the power of the ley lines that run through Somerset where they celebrate midsummer to the magic of the standing stones, the cleverness of this story is in its ability to make you believe that it could really happen.

I loved the Amari and Casper characters and how the relationship develops between them as Casper tries to wake Raina within, it was a typical honeymoon period and the story gently, and sometimes frustratingly slowly, moves along leaving me wondering when on earth we were going to A) meet Raina and b) get to the drama.

I didn’t have to wait long…if part 1 was a gentle stroll, part 2 was a sprint! Raina arrives on the scene and full disclosure, she’s difficult to warm to, patronising, know it all and a little bit cruel were my initial feelings but as her role develops all becomes clear.

On finishing the story I felt partly cross that it ended when it did, when the pace and storyline really got going but I understand there’s more to come….I will definitely be reading the rest of this series, Amari may be gone but I need to see how Raina and Caspers relationship comes together!


Disclosure: The Pursuit Of Bookiness received a copy of this book free of charge in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own. Find the full post here: https://www.thepursuitofbookiness.co....
Profile Image for Hikami D..
251 reviews12 followers
January 11, 2022
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑑𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑛 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑠𝑝𝑢𝑛 𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟, 𝑡��𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑠, 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑠, 𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑡𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒.

𝓪𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓼, 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹: NotS is a NA fantasy romance novel revolving around reincarnation and soulmates or bonded love. The MC's chemistry and banter are great and compelling, as is the sexual tension between them that spices their slow-burning romance.

𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: On her wedding day Amari meets the mysterious Caspar who seeks her out to inquire her professional help. While a stranger, Amari seems to know him in a way she cannot fathom. When her honeymoon gets postponed she decides to help Caspar, unknowing of the world she is about to be dragged into. And soon she learns that Caspar isn't a stranger, but her century-old soulmate, and she a demon with thousands of lifetime's worth.

𝗜𝗻-𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹: The pacing of the book was great, although a bit slow in the beginning. The world-building was intricate and extensive, but not too overwhelming. I liked the approach of Ms. Moore to learn the world together with Amari following the book's events so that despite the quick-paced expansion of the world it never seemed too much. Towards the end the book quickly picked up tension, and here comes my first critic; that the cliffhanger was orchestrated weakly. The book ended and it felt like stopping in the middle of a chapter instead on a foreboding cliffhanger.

On a positive note, the chemistry between Caspar and Amari was great, including their banter, sexual tension, and intimacy. It's a great read and I can't wait to get the next book, ESPECIALLY because of that cliffhanger that felt like stopping in mid-sentence (and which is driving me NUTS!)
Profile Image for Laura Gonzalez.
259 reviews8 followers
August 9, 2023
Thank you to the author for sending me the audio for this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was looking for a new Fantasy Romance for me to sink my teeth in to and boy did this deliver!!

This had me hooked from page one! I was so infested in the characters.
This book is so well written. I felt like I was right able to visualize everything as I was listening to it. I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Victoria.
69 reviews6 followers
September 16, 2021
I finished this book in less than 24 hours. I found the pacing to be refreshing, the plot to be intriguing, the characters drew me in and I had a blast reading. I tend to be a character driven reader. I enjoyed the relationships, the character's history built into the book, and the unique dynamics. I would recommend this book to readers who tend toward fantasy romance, paranormal romance and are looking for something different than the usual. After reading the book, I looked back at the book description and I am realizing that the story felt much deeper and more complex in terms of relationships, group/culture/community loyalty, and personal growth than I initially anticipated--based on the preview description of the book.

Things I really loved:

-The characters--they had distinct voices/characteristics, were unique, and had great chemistry overall with their potential partners.

-The love story--and all related romantic interactions

-The mystery--I am constantly questioning various motives for each group/community and the individuals in this story--it keeps me on my toes. I am looking forward to discovering more as we peel back the layers with the next book.

-Descriptions/scene set up/transitions--for the most part, I felt this was done very well. I frequently find myself irritated when authors over describe what could be left to the reader's imagination. On the flip side, I acknowledge the issue that occurs when authors leave readers completely confused by lack of description or worse when the scene/transitions are so vaguely clarified that we become completely lost. I felt that the author did an exemplary job providing just enough description to leave me clearly knowing where, when, and with whom I was with--without making me feel bored or annoyed with overly descriptive paragraphs.

-Tie in--I love that we see things planted from earlier in the story tie into later developments and I am hoping this is a clue for further tie in details in the next book.

-I was never bored

-Character voices felt genuine/writing felt consistent and solid

Things I did not enjoy:

-The copy of the book that I had access to definitely had errors within the text. Sentences were at times broken up and interspersed with seemingly nonsensical words. I suspect that somehow various sentences were unintentionally merged. This occurred at least 3-4 times throughout the book.

-The ending wasn't the worst thing--it sets us up for the next book and didn't leave me wanting to break something (I can name so many other books I've read this year that have). I still want to read the next book--so that's a good sign! However, I must admit that I felt the ending was abrupt. It didn't feel like a natural place to end the first book in this story.

I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sarah Pierce.
162 reviews45 followers
March 31, 2022
Thanks to HR Moore for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

The history and mystery behind all the characters and the main plot point had me intrigued early on in the book. Our main character is a reincarnated demon, but she has not ‘awoken’ yet. Meaning she doesn’t have her memories of all her past lives yet.

A lot of background information and history of the characters were thrown at you around the 25% mark and it was honestly a lot. Some of the character’s conversations were hard to follow but it wasn’t bad or too overwhelming overall.

Some of the words used to describe characters I felt were a bit problematic. Like “crazy”, “insane” and “psychopath” were used a bit too much for my comfort.

There were a lot of really unique aspects of this book. The different religions, reincarnation and how time and life cycles is written and executed is unique. The way reincarnation works in this book is probably my favorite part. The different religions and beliefs were added in and I felt like it was well done.

I didn’t like the cheating aspect of this book. I felt like it would had been more meaningful if it was executed a bit differently. Though I feel like if a few things were executed differently the story would had felt a bit more impactful.

The end of the book was intense, and it has me interested and intrigued in picking up the next book. Some of the conflicts in the book were handled a bit too ‘clean’ and felt forced or a bit lack luster. But the main ending twist in the book was very well done and had me STRESSED.

All in all this was a solid book, but I feel like there is room for improvement for the following books in the series.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
346 reviews14 followers
June 24, 2021
Nation of the Sun is sold as Outlander meets A Discovery of Witches and I can see how it could be a bit like ADOW but I didn’t see anything that could be like Outlander besides Jamie…

The premise of the book is that there’s this demon society where they have nations, which are like countries/religions. Of course, there’s discord between the nations. Also, demons are able to reincarnate but their demon side is dormant and so the “human” doesn’t know anything about demons or their way of life. Once a demon awakens, they remember all their past lives plus the one they’re currently living.

Amari is our protagonist. Her demon, Raina, is still dormant but the nation she’s part of and her soulmate, Caspar, try to awaken her before she marries a human.

It’s said over and over that Raina and Caspar have been separated for the past couple of lifetimes because of something Caspar did but no one says what that is. With that mystery, I was on the fence about liking Caspar, you never know what the twist could be.

So the first part of the book; Amari’s wedding, the interactions with her family and friends, her aloofness towards Dean after she learns about demons, and her freaking stubbornness felt rushed, a bit off and choppy. We also got multiple POVs and they were quite confusing at first. I would have to go back and reread to “get into” that new POV.

As I said before, Caspar and Raina had some sort of fallout in a past life me so I was on the fence about liking Caspar. I kept my distance! But once Raina finally decides to show up, I feel soooooooooo bad for Caspar. Raina is a grade A bi***!!!!! Everyone goes on and on about how great she is but man, she’s horrible to Caspar. Her one true love. Stubborn as all hell, ruthless, a liar, and won’t admit when she’s wrong.

The book answers what the conflict between Caspar and Raina was and boy, is it good!!!! I had some feeling about how that might’ve played out but didn’t see it that way lol

I wasn’t ready for that ending so it was a bit abrupt for me so I’m obviously going to be waiting for book 2, impatiently…
537 reviews6 followers
December 5, 2021
Nation of the Sun: Romantic fantasy (The Ancient Souls Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by HR Moore  (Author) 

Thank you to HR Moore, Booksirens and the publisher for the complimentary reviewer's copy. I am choosing to leave a fair and honest review.
HR Moore has a singular talent of world-building and providing information about that world, the rules and the characters without making it a massive info-dump. This keeps the story moving while filling in the blanks for the reader. Unfortunately, she takes this talent a step too far, as the book is mostly talking, very little action.
Amari meets Caspar on her wedding day, something about him is familiar. He begins to weave a story, telling her she is a demon, a creature that reincarnates after every death. She is his love, his only love and he wants her back, but she will need to wake up – as she is really Raina.
Most of the book – Part 1 – is a long, long build up where everything is explained. Had I not be invested in Caspar, I would not have finished. Much of the build up could have been cut, as this will be a series, and spread throughout.
When I reached Part 2, 77% of the way through the book, it happens as a kind of ka-thunk. The good news, is we reached the introduction of the villain of the piece. Of course, he's power-mad and a lech. He's a bit two dimmensional.
The book is worth reading, if you can hold on for the action. The end was a bit lackluster, showing why this is billed as a Romantic fantasy as opposed to a Fantasy romance.

2.75 stars rounded up to 3 stars

https://www.amazon.com/Nation-Sun-Par...
Profile Image for Lana.
2,768 reviews59 followers
June 22, 2023
I loved, loved, loved this urban fantasy romance with a heavy touch of magic and something I really believe in, reincarnation. Not of demons of course but of humans, however one never really knows what we are. Amari was getting married to Dean, a human rights successful lawyer and really excited to be doing so, until Caspar comes into her life. A stranger who she feels she has known forever, maybe this was because she had. She and Caspar had lived many lives before this one, they were demons, part of the pagan nation and married partners through all their past lives. Although Amari had not yet awoken to the fact that she was Raina, his beloved, Casper did all he could to persuade her to believe him and give him a chance to awaken her. Dean her husband to be, had left for a business meeting right after the marriage ceremony leaving Amari alone when they should have gone on their honeymoon, and leaving the path vacant for Caspar to get Amari to go with him. There he introduced her to other pagan members, artifacts and anything else to jar her memories of their past connection. This story is amazing, I loved every minute of reading this book and look forward to reading book 2 since once Amari awoke the templars moved in to steal her from the pagans and from Casper, and the templar leader had such a hold on her, I don't know how she is going to get out of this one to return to Caspar in this lifetime. Can't wait to go on reading as this cliffhanger ending is traumatic!
Profile Image for Anshul (stories.buddy).
1,010 reviews18 followers
April 2, 2022
This is a completely new concept to me with demons being incarnated in each life with so much going on simultaneously. At the beginning, it was interesting and smooth but after 50% it got quite intense with alot of suspense. As the story progressed I got anxious as it carries so many surprises and that really got on my nerve. This is one the best plots I've read that includes demons. The concept was new to me, the plot of the story is marvellous, I didn’t expected it to be the way it turned out. I want to say so much more but have to refrain myself since I don’t want to give out spoilers.

I love the writing, how the story flowed from present to past, from happy to sad, it’s just perfect for my taste. The side characters are more than just side characters, they are part of family and have their own assigned tasks, roles. The world building is accurate to the title. Raina and Casper are the main characters. I adore Casper, I hate Raina. Individually Raina is strong, old, strategist but all the things that she has done to Casper I don’t appreciate them. But yes, if I go by the story that’s bound to happen and I don’t blame her for that, it’s just not in me to like her much. I really hope she can change her course make me love her more. I’m eager to read the next book.
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