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The Fall of Souls
This reimagined storytelling of Nubian gods and goddesses is a one-of-a-kind adult fantasy romance filled with passion, secrets, and betrayal.
After Onia loses the only family she has ever known, she gives up on understanding her life’s mysteries, like why her mother abandoned her or why her kan can read the spirits of those around her. But when a handsome man, whose wild spirit calls to her, rescues her from the demons hellbent on dragging her to the Pit, Onia must leave her mortal life behind to uncover the truth of her heavenly heritage.
Ra was the perfect guardian – disciplined, composed, obedient – until one ill-fated night caused him to falter. Now, tasked with the security of the only living heir to the Hall, the judgment place of all souls, Ra sees his chance to remedy his mistakes. But when he meets the woman meant to become the next Empress, his spirit decides she’s more than just his duty, and he vows to protect her against all odds, even if it means giving her up.
Thrust into the lethal politics of the divine and the shadowed secrets of the Hall; Onia fights to claim her birthright before the cycle of rebirth collapses. Though, she soon realizes that some souls can’t be saved.
Please Note: This book contains explicit content and mature elements, including language, violence, and on-page sex. It is not intended for anyone under 18 years of age.
After Onia loses the only family she has ever known, she gives up on understanding her life’s mysteries, like why her mother abandoned her or why her kan can read the spirits of those around her. But when a handsome man, whose wild spirit calls to her, rescues her from the demons hellbent on dragging her to the Pit, Onia must leave her mortal life behind to uncover the truth of her heavenly heritage.
Ra was the perfect guardian – disciplined, composed, obedient – until one ill-fated night caused him to falter. Now, tasked with the security of the only living heir to the Hall, the judgment place of all souls, Ra sees his chance to remedy his mistakes. But when he meets the woman meant to become the next Empress, his spirit decides she’s more than just his duty, and he vows to protect her against all odds, even if it means giving her up.
Thrust into the lethal politics of the divine and the shadowed secrets of the Hall; Onia fights to claim her birthright before the cycle of rebirth collapses. Though, she soon realizes that some souls can’t be saved.
Please Note: This book contains explicit content and mature elements, including language, violence, and on-page sex. It is not intended for anyone under 18 years of age.
396 pages, Paperback
Published December 19, 2022
44 people are currently reading
676 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Moreau
2 books67 followersR. A. Moreau is an attorney by day and an author by night, with a penchant for naps in between. Moreau has been a lover of all things fantasy since her early years, and what began as a passion quickly turned into a profession when she started creating the stories she wished to see on her shelf.
Moreau focuses her work on black and brown romances in fantastical settings of both fantasy and the paranormal. She hopes that by sharing her work, more women will have the opportunity to see themselves in the stories they love. When she isn’t working, she loves spending time with her two dogs in her Colorado home and eating more bread than any health care professional would recommend.
Instagram: @r.a.moreau
Tiktok: @moreauwrites
Moreau focuses her work on black and brown romances in fantastical settings of both fantasy and the paranormal. She hopes that by sharing her work, more women will have the opportunity to see themselves in the stories they love. When she isn’t working, she loves spending time with her two dogs in her Colorado home and eating more bread than any health care professional would recommend.
Instagram: @r.a.moreau
Tiktok: @moreauwrites
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
March 25, 2023
3/5 stars, I really loved reading about Egyptian gods
Thank you to Pleasure & Power Publishing for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
Reading about the mythology of other cultures has always been one of my favorite parts of reading, especially when it's similar to Greek/Roman mythology. There is a severe lack of Egyptian mythology in my opinion in the literary world, so I always get excited when I see a book written around this mythology. While seeing so many names and characters from this mythology was lots of fun, it was hard at times to remember. There was context given sometimes but also I feel like not enough time to really absorb all the characters.
The plot in general of this book was largely centered around the romance between Onia and Ra, which I knew going into this story. It was pretty fast-moving after the 50% mark, but before that, all that really occurred was them making their way through the desert. Which was fine, but there was a such fast attraction between them it was a little unbelievable. Their romance was overall enjoyable because I found myself really enjoying Ra and Onia wasn't a bad character either. The biggest complaint I have is just it didn't truly feel like they were in love, just lots of attraction.
I hoped that the writing style would bring about a more dramatic feeling as the story was supposed to be very intense, but it didn't really feel that way. The writing style was just a little flat for me in terms of how it built up the excitement, but that also could have been because everything felt pretty fast too and there wasn't really time for me to adjust to things as they were happening. This is mostly a personal preference though, and I didn't hate the style of writing overall, it just felt a bit like a debut novel in that sense.
Overall, while there were things that needed improvement in my opinion it was a debut novel that makes me want to keep an eye on what else this author will be releasing. My favorite part of reading this was definitely the Egyptian mythology, and how many gods/goddesses were actually present in this book. Some of the romance, worldbuilding, and other things could have been improved on but this wasn't a bad book really and I still did enjoy some aspects of reading it. I recommend checking it out if you enjoy Egyptian mythology or want to read more books about it.
[TW: death of a parent, blood, and gore, passing out, assault, attempted sexual assault, violence, torture, sexual scenes]
Thank you to Pleasure & Power Publishing for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
Reading about the mythology of other cultures has always been one of my favorite parts of reading, especially when it's similar to Greek/Roman mythology. There is a severe lack of Egyptian mythology in my opinion in the literary world, so I always get excited when I see a book written around this mythology. While seeing so many names and characters from this mythology was lots of fun, it was hard at times to remember. There was context given sometimes but also I feel like not enough time to really absorb all the characters.
The plot in general of this book was largely centered around the romance between Onia and Ra, which I knew going into this story. It was pretty fast-moving after the 50% mark, but before that, all that really occurred was them making their way through the desert. Which was fine, but there was a such fast attraction between them it was a little unbelievable. Their romance was overall enjoyable because I found myself really enjoying Ra and Onia wasn't a bad character either. The biggest complaint I have is just it didn't truly feel like they were in love, just lots of attraction.
I hoped that the writing style would bring about a more dramatic feeling as the story was supposed to be very intense, but it didn't really feel that way. The writing style was just a little flat for me in terms of how it built up the excitement, but that also could have been because everything felt pretty fast too and there wasn't really time for me to adjust to things as they were happening. This is mostly a personal preference though, and I didn't hate the style of writing overall, it just felt a bit like a debut novel in that sense.
Overall, while there were things that needed improvement in my opinion it was a debut novel that makes me want to keep an eye on what else this author will be releasing. My favorite part of reading this was definitely the Egyptian mythology, and how many gods/goddesses were actually present in this book. Some of the romance, worldbuilding, and other things could have been improved on but this wasn't a bad book really and I still did enjoy some aspects of reading it. I recommend checking it out if you enjoy Egyptian mythology or want to read more books about it.
[TW: death of a parent, blood, and gore, passing out, assault, attempted sexual assault, violence, torture, sexual scenes]
December 5, 2022
I was intrigued by the blurb for this book. The authors retelling of the story of Egyptian mythology.
Onia is a young woman who has no idea of who she really is she also has a the gift of reading souls. So when they die and come to the Halls to be judged and stand by the scales they will know their fate. A guardian Ra has been sent from the Halls to protect her and bring her home. This is their story, a steamy romance with plenty of magic and horror all set in Egyptian mythology. An entertaining read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Onia is a young woman who has no idea of who she really is she also has a the gift of reading souls. So when they die and come to the Halls to be judged and stand by the scales they will know their fate. A guardian Ra has been sent from the Halls to protect her and bring her home. This is their story, a steamy romance with plenty of magic and horror all set in Egyptian mythology. An entertaining read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
March 2, 2025
I have never read anything like this and I can tell you with certainty, that I will be searching up so much more going forward. It was compelling and magical from the very first page. I got lost in the idea of reading souls, which is something I've never read before, and intrigued by the premise and romance. There was even a bit of horror mixed in there that had me on the edge of my seat for so much of this book.
I grew up loving all there is to love about greek mythology, and I've been needing something to intrigue me into other places. This might just be my win.
I learned so much, I didn't fall into confusion or boredom, and I never wanted to put it down.
I grew up loving all there is to love about greek mythology, and I've been needing something to intrigue me into other places. This might just be my win.
I learned so much, I didn't fall into confusion or boredom, and I never wanted to put it down.
December 30, 2022
4 1/2 "Power, Corruption, Fate" Stars!
Wow, what a great story!! A fantastic take on Nubien gods filled with corruption, decpeption, love, and loyalty. An intense plot with lots of action and a slow burn with so many sparks, Ra and Onia were smoking up my Kindle. When that flame lit it was hot!!
The final 25-30 percent I could not put it down. By the end, I wanted more, more, more! I really hope the wait isn't too long before we can return to this world. Happy reading!
Ps. It's not a cliffhanger.
Wow, what a great story!! A fantastic take on Nubien gods filled with corruption, decpeption, love, and loyalty. An intense plot with lots of action and a slow burn with so many sparks, Ra and Onia were smoking up my Kindle. When that flame lit it was hot!!
The final 25-30 percent I could not put it down. By the end, I wanted more, more, more! I really hope the wait isn't too long before we can return to this world. Happy reading!
Ps. It's not a cliffhanger.
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December 3, 2022
3.75 ⭐️ Egyptian Myths Reimagining for the win!
As a person who’s been obsessed with Greek myths re-imaginings and retellings in the books that have been coming out the last few years, this was right up my alley - and at the same time completely separate from anything I'd read before. But this book when above what I already expected would be a solid read.
Onia is a young woman steeped in grieve when the story begins. She’s just lost her father after long years of him slowly forgetting everything around him, including his own daughter. Onia never knew her mother, and now she has to continue her life trying to make enough out of her soul readings in the market square to afford a decent dinner. It’s her kan, a soul-deep power that has always been part of her, that aids her in her pursuit. But when strange monsters come to take her life one night, it’s a stranger she’s met that day who helps her survive. He later introduces himself as Ra, son of Anubis, and lets Onia know that she’s the daughter of Ma’at. After informing her of the Goddess’ passing, Ra tells her she’s needed to return to take her rightful place within the Halls, to help guide the souls once their time comes. Thus begins their story and their journey together.
My obsession with old myths and old gods could not have prepared me for the number of names and designations this book would unleash upon me, and yet there was very little confusion. The author does a great job at explaining every character and takes care of representing them separately from one another. Some names were a tad too similar to another, and that did admittedly make it a bit confusing, but that’s hardly the author’s doing.
This is, first and foremost, a soulmates romance, of course, which is why I picked up this book, but there is so much more. There’s intrigue while looking for Ma’at murderer (although after the 50% or so, the answer was easy), there’s angst, including difficult and abusive family relationships… There really is a little bit of everything here. It was truly a great read, even if the writing style was a bit odd at first to me and it took me until the 10% mark to really get into it.
The plot is a bit instalove-y, after all it is a soulmates romance, but this book's very much a slow burn. Soooo slow. As in, I wanted a hundred and ten more scenes with just Ra and Onia being their cute, silly, little selves, denying that there is a literal hole in their chest made for each other’s presence. I wanted the angsty wait, but more than anything, I needed more of them together at the end. There’s not even a little epilogue - Nothing. It’s the only reason why this book didn’t completely knock it out of the park for me – even if the wait did make the eventual spice so, so much worth it! But I wanted more of the easy romance, and I feel like there’s only painful, convoluted feelings until the very end.
This book's intense, heart-breaking, sweet, and beautiful.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 / 5
🌶️🌶️ / 5
*Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the eARC*
As a person who’s been obsessed with Greek myths re-imaginings and retellings in the books that have been coming out the last few years, this was right up my alley - and at the same time completely separate from anything I'd read before. But this book when above what I already expected would be a solid read.
Onia is a young woman steeped in grieve when the story begins. She’s just lost her father after long years of him slowly forgetting everything around him, including his own daughter. Onia never knew her mother, and now she has to continue her life trying to make enough out of her soul readings in the market square to afford a decent dinner. It’s her kan, a soul-deep power that has always been part of her, that aids her in her pursuit. But when strange monsters come to take her life one night, it’s a stranger she’s met that day who helps her survive. He later introduces himself as Ra, son of Anubis, and lets Onia know that she’s the daughter of Ma’at. After informing her of the Goddess’ passing, Ra tells her she’s needed to return to take her rightful place within the Halls, to help guide the souls once their time comes. Thus begins their story and their journey together.
My obsession with old myths and old gods could not have prepared me for the number of names and designations this book would unleash upon me, and yet there was very little confusion. The author does a great job at explaining every character and takes care of representing them separately from one another. Some names were a tad too similar to another, and that did admittedly make it a bit confusing, but that’s hardly the author’s doing.
This is, first and foremost, a soulmates romance, of course, which is why I picked up this book, but there is so much more. There’s intrigue while looking for Ma’at murderer (although after the 50% or so, the answer was easy), there’s angst, including difficult and abusive family relationships… There really is a little bit of everything here. It was truly a great read, even if the writing style was a bit odd at first to me and it took me until the 10% mark to really get into it.
The plot is a bit instalove-y, after all it is a soulmates romance, but this book's very much a slow burn. Soooo slow. As in, I wanted a hundred and ten more scenes with just Ra and Onia being their cute, silly, little selves, denying that there is a literal hole in their chest made for each other’s presence. I wanted the angsty wait, but more than anything, I needed more of them together at the end. There’s not even a little epilogue - Nothing. It’s the only reason why this book didn’t completely knock it out of the park for me – even if the wait did make the eventual spice so, so much worth it! But I wanted more of the easy romance, and I feel like there’s only painful, convoluted feelings until the very end.
This book's intense, heart-breaking, sweet, and beautiful.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 / 5
🌶️🌶️ / 5
*Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the eARC*
December 17, 2022
Fresh new voice in storytelling. I enjoyed the story R.A. Moreau chose to tell. Her characters and world building were fantastic.
What caught my eye was the cover. I read just a few lines of the blurb (I like going in blind) and got the message that it was Nubian mythology. Hook. Line. Sinker.
Ra is a jackal and gives off "wolf paranormal romance" vibes. Nice little twist to an old genre. If you love PNR, The Fall of Souls will be a must read. Hot, steamy romance without over doing it.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, so I could give an honest review.
What caught my eye was the cover. I read just a few lines of the blurb (I like going in blind) and got the message that it was Nubian mythology. Hook. Line. Sinker.
Ra is a jackal and gives off "wolf paranormal romance" vibes. Nice little twist to an old genre. If you love PNR, The Fall of Souls will be a must read. Hot, steamy romance without over doing it.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, so I could give an honest review.
June 10, 2025
It was cutesy enough and definitely something else. There were some good moments ("I will worship at your altar. All you have to do is ask....") but the few spicy scenes that were in here weren´t well written in my opinion ("then I stroked her to completion"). I mean then I´d rather not have them at all if described like that...
November 28, 2022
4.5⭐ It was a close 5⭐, not gonna lie.
This book had my heart from the start. I am a sucker for mythology. I don't care where it comes from, I don't even care if I've never heard of it or if you twist the lore to mesh it better to the story.
In this case it was Nubian myths come to life with a dash of enemies to lovers, a healthy amount of slow burn with fated soul mates and chosen one trope. All of this tied by Ra's sexiest thoughts about the woman of her life. Like come on, it's *chef's kiss*.
STOP! You might want to skip this part if you are going to read the book. Possible spoilers 🙆🏼♀️.
The world building was beautifully described and I actually loved the fight scenes. . That scene will live rent free in my mind for the rest of my days.
The fact that it didn't make it to 5⭐ is, because as the story starts developing itself at the Hall (the main location), the feeling of emotion, surprise and adventure kinda fell through. I'm not gonna lie, I was expecting a big ass cliffhanger at the end, but unfortunately my wishes didn't come true 🥲.
But, let us talk a bit about our MCs, shall we?
Onia was such a fearless and strong character from the first moment she appeared on the page. We LOVE a determined woman in this household, and the fact that we also see that even when she appears strong, she also has a vulnerable side to her... had me in pieces and crying of happiness. I feel it is rarely shown in fiction that the strongest characters can also break down. That weight on someone's shoulders has to tear you apart at some point.
And Ra, my love, my life. I was pinning for him with Onia throughout all the damned book. Compared to Onia, I feel we got to see so little of his story, despite the most important bits, which were heart-wrenching. He is protective of what he loves, a born leader to their house and a lover. Because as Keanu Reeves said once, to be a lover you have to fight for what you love. And I feel that describes Ra perfectly.
Still, it's worth mentioning his protective demeanour never came across as alphahole to me. He was respectful, sweet, and knew exactly what Onia needed at her side. Which is what made their relationship so wholesome. (I'm gonna turn a blind eye to the fact that he lied by omission to her... but it was for the sake of the story, so I won't complain 👀)
The chemistry between them both was awesome. Basically what a good slow burn needs to be: endless pinning and a bunch of "I want to touch you, but I can't"s.
To narrow it down, this book got me out of a reading slump that was killing me. And I feel like, books that can get you out of that headspace, are the ones worth giving a chance! Now I'm gonna go back to meddling my friends with this book so that they read it too 😂
I want to thank RA Moreau for opening the ARC up to everyone who wanted to give it a go! As a first timer in NetGalley, getting ARCs is hard enough and the fact that I could start with this awesome book has been priceless 🙈
This book had my heart from the start. I am a sucker for mythology. I don't care where it comes from, I don't even care if I've never heard of it or if you twist the lore to mesh it better to the story.
In this case it was Nubian myths come to life with a dash of enemies to lovers, a healthy amount of slow burn with fated soul mates and chosen one trope. All of this tied by Ra's sexiest thoughts about the woman of her life. Like come on, it's *chef's kiss*.
STOP! You might want to skip this part if you are going to read the book. Possible spoilers 🙆🏼♀️.
The world building was beautifully described and I actually loved the fight scenes. . That scene will live rent free in my mind for the rest of my days.
The fact that it didn't make it to 5⭐ is, because as the story starts developing itself at the Hall (the main location), the feeling of emotion, surprise and adventure kinda fell through. I'm not gonna lie, I was expecting a big ass cliffhanger at the end, but unfortunately my wishes didn't come true 🥲.
But, let us talk a bit about our MCs, shall we?
Onia was such a fearless and strong character from the first moment she appeared on the page. We LOVE a determined woman in this household, and the fact that we also see that even when she appears strong, she also has a vulnerable side to her... had me in pieces and crying of happiness. I feel it is rarely shown in fiction that the strongest characters can also break down. That weight on someone's shoulders has to tear you apart at some point.
And Ra, my love, my life. I was pinning for him with Onia throughout all the damned book. Compared to Onia, I feel we got to see so little of his story, despite the most important bits, which were heart-wrenching. He is protective of what he loves, a born leader to their house and a lover. Because as Keanu Reeves said once, to be a lover you have to fight for what you love. And I feel that describes Ra perfectly.
Still, it's worth mentioning his protective demeanour never came across as alphahole to me. He was respectful, sweet, and knew exactly what Onia needed at her side. Which is what made their relationship so wholesome. (I'm gonna turn a blind eye to the fact that he lied by omission to her... but it was for the sake of the story, so I won't complain 👀)
The chemistry between them both was awesome. Basically what a good slow burn needs to be: endless pinning and a bunch of "I want to touch you, but I can't"s.
To narrow it down, this book got me out of a reading slump that was killing me. And I feel like, books that can get you out of that headspace, are the ones worth giving a chance! Now I'm gonna go back to meddling my friends with this book so that they read it too 😂
I want to thank RA Moreau for opening the ARC up to everyone who wanted to give it a go! As a first timer in NetGalley, getting ARCs is hard enough and the fact that I could start with this awesome book has been priceless 🙈
February 18, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is such an intriguing premise, even if the cover isn't much to look at. I'll be honest, this one took me a while to get through. But I loved that instead of another romance featuring Greek or Roman gods, we actually got one that explored Nubian gods and goddesses.
But again. Stephanie. Why are you picking up these slow burn plotted books? While the relationship was kind of insta-lovey and features soulmates, it took a while for Onia and Ra to get to where I wanted them. I love my books where they're boning and in love by 30% so these slow burns are killing me. But this book was also angsty and the plot was intriguing. I just felt myself needing to google Nubian gods and goddesses and learning how to pronounce some of the names. This wasn't going to be an ACOTAR situation where it took me three years to figure out how to say the names correctly LOL.
This is such an intriguing premise, even if the cover isn't much to look at. I'll be honest, this one took me a while to get through. But I loved that instead of another romance featuring Greek or Roman gods, we actually got one that explored Nubian gods and goddesses.
But again. Stephanie. Why are you picking up these slow burn plotted books? While the relationship was kind of insta-lovey and features soulmates, it took a while for Onia and Ra to get to where I wanted them. I love my books where they're boning and in love by 30% so these slow burns are killing me. But this book was also angsty and the plot was intriguing. I just felt myself needing to google Nubian gods and goddesses and learning how to pronounce some of the names. This wasn't going to be an ACOTAR situation where it took me three years to figure out how to say the names correctly LOL.
December 25, 2022
This story takes place in Ancient Nubia. In this first installment, we are following Onia daughter of Goddess Ma'at and Ra son of Anubis. I read most of this book in one day, that is how gripping the story was, i only stopped when i realized that the sun had gone down and my eyes were strained. There is beautiful language in this novel, as a reader i really loved the way the author crafted such stunning prose to carry us through the journey of these two lovers. There was a lot of sexual tension, a lot of flirting. I also loved the brat submissive dom thing these two had going on. The plot was equally as interesting, the setting, the magic, everything was wonderful, the folkore and monsters were fascinating.
R.A. Moreau is a new fave now. I will buy anything she publishes and continue to shout at the top of my lungs about her work.
R.A. Moreau is a new fave now. I will buy anything she publishes and continue to shout at the top of my lungs about her work.
December 15, 2022
3.5 Stars
Arc received from Netgalley for an honest review.
This story was such a pleasure to read from beginning to end.
In this book we follow Onia who slowly discovers the extent of her powers, learns more about herself, and finds romance along the way. She meets Ra when in need of help, and as he protects her along a journey they take together, something blossoms between them.
I knew from the moment I started reading that the writing style worked well for me. It was easy to consume and flowed really well. Alongside the writing we have the characters. I loved so many of them, going from our main characters Ra and Onia, to side characters like Abraxas (loved that guy). Despite the quick shift in the romance halfway through that slightly threw me off, I still liked the relationship and cheered them on while the tension between them built.
If you like reimagining's of mythos with steamy romance, a diverse cast of characters, tattooed and protective men with sprinkles of magic, then pick this up. It releases on December 19th and I hope to see it in peoples hands near the end of the month.
Wishing the best to R. A. Moreau with her debut, and look forward to reading more books by her in the future.
Arc received from Netgalley for an honest review.
This story was such a pleasure to read from beginning to end.
In this book we follow Onia who slowly discovers the extent of her powers, learns more about herself, and finds romance along the way. She meets Ra when in need of help, and as he protects her along a journey they take together, something blossoms between them.
I knew from the moment I started reading that the writing style worked well for me. It was easy to consume and flowed really well. Alongside the writing we have the characters. I loved so many of them, going from our main characters Ra and Onia, to side characters like Abraxas (loved that guy). Despite the quick shift in the romance halfway through that slightly threw me off, I still liked the relationship and cheered them on while the tension between them built.
If you like reimagining's of mythos with steamy romance, a diverse cast of characters, tattooed and protective men with sprinkles of magic, then pick this up. It releases on December 19th and I hope to see it in peoples hands near the end of the month.
Wishing the best to R. A. Moreau with her debut, and look forward to reading more books by her in the future.
February 26, 2023
I want to thank Netgalley and R.A.Moreau for this ARC. This is my honest opinion
I really liked this book. I loved the magic, the fantasy world, the secrets, the romance, and the mythology.
The first maybe 20% of the book was a little hard to understand sometimes, because the story begins immediately, without an introduction to this fantasy world.
But after that, we begin to understand this world with the gods, learn some secrets and the action starts.
The romance was sweet, I liked how the author introduced it and how it develops.
This end! I really need the next book like nooooooow please
I really liked this book. I loved the magic, the fantasy world, the secrets, the romance, and the mythology.
The first maybe 20% of the book was a little hard to understand sometimes, because the story begins immediately, without an introduction to this fantasy world.
But after that, we begin to understand this world with the gods, learn some secrets and the action starts.
The romance was sweet, I liked how the author introduced it and how it develops.
This end! I really need the next book like nooooooow please
January 9, 2023
Ok, I see you R. A. Moreau.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pleasure & Power Publishing for the eARC of this amazing fantasy-romance.
While it took me a little bit of time to get into the story, it evolved so beautifully throughout. The beginning really felt like the reader was being held at arm's length and I felt a little less attached to the characters, but it makes sense once you get deeper into the book and realized that it was emotional armor meant to protect them. I really enjoyed Onia being both soft and strong; depending on her guardian Ra for strength but also being able to stand on her own two feet and make choices for herself. This had a truly epic amount of yearning, but gave the reader enough sweet scenes between the two leads to keep you satisfied. And what's more, this was not just a story about romantic love, but also family ties and the complex relationships between them.
There was also a fantastic amount of world-building, which is something that I really need in my fantasy romance. I loved that we got to see Anubis, Ma'at, and other mythology on the page. It doesn't seem like a lot of fantasy delves into that setting, so it was a breath of fresh air. The story really improves once other characters are added and the mystery deepens. There was a bit of melodrama in some of the battle scenes for my tastes, but overall it was a beautifully told story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pleasure & Power Publishing for the eARC of this amazing fantasy-romance.
While it took me a little bit of time to get into the story, it evolved so beautifully throughout. The beginning really felt like the reader was being held at arm's length and I felt a little less attached to the characters, but it makes sense once you get deeper into the book and realized that it was emotional armor meant to protect them. I really enjoyed Onia being both soft and strong; depending on her guardian Ra for strength but also being able to stand on her own two feet and make choices for herself. This had a truly epic amount of yearning, but gave the reader enough sweet scenes between the two leads to keep you satisfied. And what's more, this was not just a story about romantic love, but also family ties and the complex relationships between them.
There was also a fantastic amount of world-building, which is something that I really need in my fantasy romance. I loved that we got to see Anubis, Ma'at, and other mythology on the page. It doesn't seem like a lot of fantasy delves into that setting, so it was a breath of fresh air. The story really improves once other characters are added and the mystery deepens. There was a bit of melodrama in some of the battle scenes for my tastes, but overall it was a beautifully told story.
January 21, 2023
I wanted to love this book so much - and the concept of an Egyptian retelling definitely intrigued me. The world building and magic system was well balanced and not so in depth that I lost interest but enough to create a story my mind could easily follow.
The writing was unobtrusive and flowed really well. It wasn’t too descriptive and seemed well edited.
However, I struggled to stay with this story. The “who dunnit” built little tension when the antagonists were not multi- dimensional with the exception of the true villain. It made the mystery immediately predictable. I also wasn’t invested in figuring out the killer and didn’t feel any true threat to the protagonists.
The spicy, slow burn romance plot also lacked the tension and build-up to keep me focused. They were a typical fantasy couple, with the magic that responds to each other, training scenes, “touch her and die” vibes, but they were a little too typical and didn’t exude enough chemistry.
Basically, I was bored through 2/3 of the book. I still think this is worth the read for many people, and while it’s not technically low angst, it reads easier and the low tension could be exactly what someone is looking for if they need a fantasy romance that doesn’t push them or demand too much from them.
The writing was unobtrusive and flowed really well. It wasn’t too descriptive and seemed well edited.
However, I struggled to stay with this story. The “who dunnit” built little tension when the antagonists were not multi- dimensional with the exception of the true villain. It made the mystery immediately predictable. I also wasn’t invested in figuring out the killer and didn’t feel any true threat to the protagonists.
The spicy, slow burn romance plot also lacked the tension and build-up to keep me focused. They were a typical fantasy couple, with the magic that responds to each other, training scenes, “touch her and die” vibes, but they were a little too typical and didn’t exude enough chemistry.
Basically, I was bored through 2/3 of the book. I still think this is worth the read for many people, and while it’s not technically low angst, it reads easier and the low tension could be exactly what someone is looking for if they need a fantasy romance that doesn’t push them or demand too much from them.
January 21, 2023
Epic Journey
I had to sit with my thoughts with this one. I almost went four star but then I realized it was only because I wanted more. I wanted more of Onia and Ra together. Anyway, this was an incredible journey and I loved being immersed in this type of lore. This is a slow burn, soulmate, sweet fantasy romance, with a headstrong and at times frustrating fmc. Ra was perfection. I enjoyed the writing style a lot. It felt authentic to the lore without feeling forced. It’s slow burn romance but medium pace on the plot. I did find myself wishing Onia would have come into her power sooner but otherwise I loved this. My favorite part being the concept of kan and how it’s effected. That’s a message took to heart and will keep with me. For a minute I was worried since this is listed at book 1 that Moreau was going to leave me on a cliff, but rest easy, no cliffhangers here. Just the possibility of a to be continued. This is a debut read, well worth your time.
I had to sit with my thoughts with this one. I almost went four star but then I realized it was only because I wanted more. I wanted more of Onia and Ra together. Anyway, this was an incredible journey and I loved being immersed in this type of lore. This is a slow burn, soulmate, sweet fantasy romance, with a headstrong and at times frustrating fmc. Ra was perfection. I enjoyed the writing style a lot. It felt authentic to the lore without feeling forced. It’s slow burn romance but medium pace on the plot. I did find myself wishing Onia would have come into her power sooner but otherwise I loved this. My favorite part being the concept of kan and how it’s effected. That’s a message took to heart and will keep with me. For a minute I was worried since this is listed at book 1 that Moreau was going to leave me on a cliff, but rest easy, no cliffhangers here. Just the possibility of a to be continued. This is a debut read, well worth your time.
November 20, 2022
This book had me invested from the first chapter. It starts with laying a loved one to rest and learning to continue on alone. During this time of self-reflection and self-reliance, a fascinating (and handsome) stranger comes along. Once these two paths cross an epic journey awaits.
I have been loving the fantasy-romance genre lately because it gives me the gasps and giggles of reading a love story and the awe and intrigue of learning a new world - it’s magic and politics, and there are a lot more characters, twists, and turns. This book does it all soo well, I am shocked this is R.A. Mareau’s debut novel. The writing is beautiful and the story is incredible. I am already ready for the second book in the series!
The way Onia and Ra interacted felt so real. I loved the dialogue and banter not only between the main characters, but also the side characters. Each character has their own personality and even if they’re only in a tiny part of the book, they felt whole and I could imagine their own backgrounds, pasts, and futures. There is a lot of room for this story to play out many ways and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
The story touches on topics like loss, loneliness, and not knowing one parent without getting too heavy or traumatic.
✅ easy read
✅ fantasy romance
✅ Black cast
✅ dimensional characters
✅ forbidden love, slow burn
✅ a handful of spice
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in return for an honest review
I have been loving the fantasy-romance genre lately because it gives me the gasps and giggles of reading a love story and the awe and intrigue of learning a new world - it’s magic and politics, and there are a lot more characters, twists, and turns. This book does it all soo well, I am shocked this is R.A. Mareau’s debut novel. The writing is beautiful and the story is incredible. I am already ready for the second book in the series!
The way Onia and Ra interacted felt so real. I loved the dialogue and banter not only between the main characters, but also the side characters. Each character has their own personality and even if they’re only in a tiny part of the book, they felt whole and I could imagine their own backgrounds, pasts, and futures. There is a lot of room for this story to play out many ways and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
The story touches on topics like loss, loneliness, and not knowing one parent without getting too heavy or traumatic.
✅ easy read
✅ fantasy romance
✅ Black cast
✅ dimensional characters
✅ forbidden love, slow burn
✅ a handful of spice
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in return for an honest review
December 25, 2022
thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
my interest was sparked by the book's description. the author retold the story using egyptian mythology as a foundation. onia, a young woman with the gift of reading souls, is unaware of her true identity. in other words, they will be aware of their destiny when they die and go to the halls to be judged and face the scales. a guardian ra has been sent from the halls for her defense and return home. they had great chemistry together. essentially, endless pinning is what makes for a wonderful slow burn. here, their story is revealed, it's a scorching romance laced with supernatural horror and set in the mythology of ancient egypt. It was fun to read this, i enjoyed it so much.
my interest was sparked by the book's description. the author retold the story using egyptian mythology as a foundation. onia, a young woman with the gift of reading souls, is unaware of her true identity. in other words, they will be aware of their destiny when they die and go to the halls to be judged and face the scales. a guardian ra has been sent from the halls for her defense and return home. they had great chemistry together. essentially, endless pinning is what makes for a wonderful slow burn. here, their story is revealed, it's a scorching romance laced with supernatural horror and set in the mythology of ancient egypt. It was fun to read this, i enjoyed it so much.
January 14, 2023
The Fall of Souls was an enjoyable read with a strong FMC and a protect her at all costs MMC. This book takes place in the world of Egyptian mythology with the weighing of the souls which included great world building. The slow burn between Onia and Ra was perfection and the spice was worth the wait!
I recommend this for anyone who enjoys fantasy romance.
I recommend this for anyone who enjoys fantasy romance.
December 1, 2022
I enjoyed every bit of this tale. Really looking forward to the sequel and more from Moreau.
November 29, 2022
This was so darn good. I couldn’t put it down. I absolutely love mythological retellings and for this to be Egyptian mythology instead of the usual Greek retellings made it even better because it was so different. I loved that there was instant attraction, but it was still a slower burn. I need the next book ASAP.
Stars: 5
POV: dual
HEA?: yes
Cheating: no
Cliffhanger?: no
Tropes: mythology, retelling, slow burn, close proximity, instant attraction
**I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
Stars: 5
POV: dual
HEA?: yes
Cheating: no
Cliffhanger?: no
Tropes: mythology, retelling, slow burn, close proximity, instant attraction
**I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
November 17, 2022
A binge worthy new adult fantasy debut. I always love mythology but Moreau did a wonderful job personifying the deities in a way that is comprehensive no matter your familiarity level with the mythology. This book does have dual perspectives but it was done well and I did not have one perspective that I felt dragged more than the other. I enjoyed the strong female lead but found the male lead to be flat at times. Overall, a fun read for anyone who loves romance or a good mythology based book.
I did download an ARC of this book from Net Galley in exchange for review.
I did download an ARC of this book from Net Galley in exchange for review.
February 24, 2023
The Fall of Souls is a steamy fantasy romance involving Nubian gods and goddesses. I might not be the target audience for these types of novels because I found the amount of thirst and horniness in this novel astounding in a negative way. I know that there's a reason for their horniness, but it still annoyed me a bit. For most of the book, before the MC and ML finally had sex, it felt like the MC and the ML got aroused in almost every encounter, and every skin contact caused tingles. After a while, it started to get tiring.
Setting aside the horniness, the story is ok. I enjoyed the character interactions, and the setting with the Nubian gods and goddesses is interesting. The author managed to incorporate the mythological aspect pretty well. Although I'm not very familiar with Nubian mythology, I didn't experience information overload or struggle to understand which mythological character is which. However, the murder mystery aspect of the story is lackluster, and the main conflicts could have been made more compelling. I thought that more could have been done with it, but clearly, the romance subplot was the main focus of the book.
Though let me just say that I have a bias against plots where the struggles in the middle of the novel mainly serve to further the romance plot, and the main conflict is resolved somehow at the end unrelated to what the main characters have been doing.
In short, this novel has been hitting things that don't work for me, but it's a feel-good novel with a happy ending, so I can't really dislike it that much.
Thank you to Netgalley and Pleasure & Power Publishing for the free copy. This is my honest review.
Setting aside the horniness, the story is ok. I enjoyed the character interactions, and the setting with the Nubian gods and goddesses is interesting. The author managed to incorporate the mythological aspect pretty well. Although I'm not very familiar with Nubian mythology, I didn't experience information overload or struggle to understand which mythological character is which. However, the murder mystery aspect of the story is lackluster, and the main conflicts could have been made more compelling. I thought that more could have been done with it, but clearly, the romance subplot was the main focus of the book.
Though let me just say that I have a bias against plots where the struggles in the middle of the novel mainly serve to further the romance plot, and the main conflict is resolved somehow at the end unrelated to what the main characters have been doing.
In short, this novel has been hitting things that don't work for me, but it's a feel-good novel with a happy ending, so I can't really dislike it that much.
Thank you to Netgalley and Pleasure & Power Publishing for the free copy. This is my honest review.
January 21, 2023
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was an average read for me. I would say that the worldbuilding was amazing and the story was well-written and poetic. Except for the eternally repeating word "draped"... Writer should have looked for the synonyms.
The beginning of the book was also very attractive which made me start the book as soon as I read the first sentence.
The characters were well-described, albeit a bit from lustful gaze, but I guess this might be up to taste.
I thought it took too long for the main events to start and felt a bit dragged in the middle. However, the story was solid.
Egypt mythology is one of my favorites, but I also felt that the reader wouldn't get enough information to understand the story without knowing the mythology beforehand.
Overall it wasn't a bad book at all, but could be much much better with a few adjustments.
Thanks to NetGalley and R.A.Moreau for the book!
This was an average read for me. I would say that the worldbuilding was amazing and the story was well-written and poetic. Except for the eternally repeating word "draped"... Writer should have looked for the synonyms.
The beginning of the book was also very attractive which made me start the book as soon as I read the first sentence.
The characters were well-described, albeit a bit from lustful gaze, but I guess this might be up to taste.
I thought it took too long for the main events to start and felt a bit dragged in the middle. However, the story was solid.
Egypt mythology is one of my favorites, but I also felt that the reader wouldn't get enough information to understand the story without knowing the mythology beforehand.
Overall it wasn't a bad book at all, but could be much much better with a few adjustments.
Thanks to NetGalley and R.A.Moreau for the book!
November 6, 2022
4.5*
Plot 5/5 | Characters 4.5/5 | World Building 4.5/5 | Romance 3/5 | Spice 4/5 | Writing 4.5/5
What a ride! I don't even know where to start. First let me say that I have been trying to be a little bit more strict with my ratings. According to my Goodreads stats, I tend to rate books higher than the average bear ( I think my average rating is over 4/5) but that is generally because I research books before I read them and usually only pick up books that will interest me and look like I will enjoy them. But I have decided that maybe I need to be more strict with the books I review....
....And then I read this book. There was literally no way I could make myself like it any less and rate it anything other than a rounded 5 star. This book was magic. So beautifully written with such an interesting world. The reader is thrust into the world of Nubian mythology ( a refreshing break from the Greco-Roman mythology that dominates my book shelves) and into the lives of the gods and all their machinations. Another reviewer said this was an adaptation on Greek mythology, but to set the record straight- this is not. Nubian mythology is it's own thing and has basically nothing to do with the Greek gods because the Nubians have a different idea of souls and spirits and the rolls that the gods play. Nubian mythology can only be compared to Egyptian Mythology. But I digress.
In this book, we follow Ra and Onia on their way to the Hall of the gods. I won't give you a plot summary because you can read that in the description. I will say that these characters are strong and fierce and very well written. Their chemistry is off the charts and lots of spice in this book to get any reader a little melty. In fact, all the characters that R.A. Moreau as included in this book are so well done. They have so many layers and facets- it's hard to know what motivates them- so it is hard to really trust anyone (the whole point!). The plot was solid with enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested and unsure of where the danger will come from next. The world building and scenery in this book were also thoroughly detailed and it was very easy to get lost in the complex world Moreau has built.
Where did this book lose the 0.5*? These might be petty points and overall, the book was great and you should still read it but there were a lot of characters to keep track of in this book and a lot of terminology that would be new to a lot of readers. I would have found it to be helpful to have some sort of reference in the back or front of who all the gods are with their houses and details, and also some definitions of some of the Nubian terms/creatures that show up in the book. Also, I wish that Onia was slightly more damaged. She seems a little too polished and perfect. Too beautiful, too smart and too fierce and that makes her a little less believable. Sure, she has a struggle in the last few chapters but it's nothing that truly shows character development.
Overall, this book has so so many great things going for it. If you enjoy any book about mythology, fantastic world building, the political and dangerous world of the gods and a spice romance- this is the book for you. It is a book that is different than everything I have read lately but so absorbing, I could barely put it down. Lastly, if I could get my wish, I would LOVE to listen to this book on an audiobook ( so fingers crossed, they make one). The dual POV and absorbing world would lend itself well to an audiobook.
**Thank you so much to Netgalley for the free ARC of this book that I thoroughly enjoyed. The review I have provided is all my own honest opinion**
Plot 5/5 | Characters 4.5/5 | World Building 4.5/5 | Romance 3/5 | Spice 4/5 | Writing 4.5/5
What a ride! I don't even know where to start. First let me say that I have been trying to be a little bit more strict with my ratings. According to my Goodreads stats, I tend to rate books higher than the average bear ( I think my average rating is over 4/5) but that is generally because I research books before I read them and usually only pick up books that will interest me and look like I will enjoy them. But I have decided that maybe I need to be more strict with the books I review....
....And then I read this book. There was literally no way I could make myself like it any less and rate it anything other than a rounded 5 star. This book was magic. So beautifully written with such an interesting world. The reader is thrust into the world of Nubian mythology ( a refreshing break from the Greco-Roman mythology that dominates my book shelves) and into the lives of the gods and all their machinations. Another reviewer said this was an adaptation on Greek mythology, but to set the record straight- this is not. Nubian mythology is it's own thing and has basically nothing to do with the Greek gods because the Nubians have a different idea of souls and spirits and the rolls that the gods play. Nubian mythology can only be compared to Egyptian Mythology. But I digress.
In this book, we follow Ra and Onia on their way to the Hall of the gods. I won't give you a plot summary because you can read that in the description. I will say that these characters are strong and fierce and very well written. Their chemistry is off the charts and lots of spice in this book to get any reader a little melty. In fact, all the characters that R.A. Moreau as included in this book are so well done. They have so many layers and facets- it's hard to know what motivates them- so it is hard to really trust anyone (the whole point!). The plot was solid with enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested and unsure of where the danger will come from next. The world building and scenery in this book were also thoroughly detailed and it was very easy to get lost in the complex world Moreau has built.
Where did this book lose the 0.5*? These might be petty points and overall, the book was great and you should still read it but there were a lot of characters to keep track of in this book and a lot of terminology that would be new to a lot of readers. I would have found it to be helpful to have some sort of reference in the back or front of who all the gods are with their houses and details, and also some definitions of some of the Nubian terms/creatures that show up in the book. Also, I wish that Onia was slightly more damaged. She seems a little too polished and perfect. Too beautiful, too smart and too fierce and that makes her a little less believable. Sure, she has a struggle in the last few chapters but it's nothing that truly shows character development.
Overall, this book has so so many great things going for it. If you enjoy any book about mythology, fantastic world building, the political and dangerous world of the gods and a spice romance- this is the book for you. It is a book that is different than everything I have read lately but so absorbing, I could barely put it down. Lastly, if I could get my wish, I would LOVE to listen to this book on an audiobook ( so fingers crossed, they make one). The dual POV and absorbing world would lend itself well to an audiobook.
**Thank you so much to Netgalley for the free ARC of this book that I thoroughly enjoyed. The review I have provided is all my own honest opinion**
January 9, 2024
I want to express my gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC of The Fall of Souls by R. A. Moreau. From the moment I started reading, I was instantly drawn to this book due to my fascination with Greek myth re-imaginings and retellings. This novel not only exceeded my already high expectations but also presented a unique and refreshing take on the genre.
The story begins with Onia, a young woman consumed by grief after the loss of her father, who had been suffering from memory loss. As Onia tries to make a living through her soul readings, she encounters strange monsters one night, only to be saved by a man named Ra, who reveals himself to be the son of Anubis. Ra informs Onia that she is the daughter of Ma'at and that she is needed to return to the Halls to fulfill her role in guiding souls. Thus, their journey together begins.
Although I was prepared for a myriad of names and designations associated with the Greek myths in this book, I found little confusion thanks to the author's adept explanations and distinct portrayal of each character. While some names were similar, any confusion was not the fault of the author.
The heart of this story lies in the soulmates romance, which initially drew me to this book. However, it offers so much more than that. From the search for Ma'at's murderer to the exploration of difficult and abusive family relationships, there is a rich tapestry of intrigue and emotion woven throughout the narrative. Despite the initially odd writing style, I eventually became fully engrossed in the story around the 10% mark.
The romance in this book develops at a slow burn pace, which I appreciated. However, I did find myself wanting more scenes between Ra and Onia, showcasing their endearing and playful dynamic. The wait was anguishing, but the eventual payoff was worth it. I was slightly disappointed by the lack of an epilogue or further exploration of their relationship at the end.
The intense, heart-breaking, sweet, and beautiful moments in The Fall of Souls captured my heart from the start. I'm an avid mythology lover, and this book skillfully brought Nubian myths to life, intertwining them with a compelling enemies-to-lovers storyline and the concept of fated soulmates. The world-building was expertly described, and the fight scenes, particularly the one between Onia and Nejeri, left an indelible impression on my mind.
The only reason I didn't give this book a full five stars was because, as the story progressed, the emotional impact and sense of adventure diminished slightly, and I was hoping for a more impactful ending. I anticipated a cliffhanger, which unfortunately didn't materialize.
Onia is a fearless and strong protagonist, and I deeply admired her determination. The author skillfully portrayed her vulnerability amidst her strength, which added depth to her character. Ra, on the other hand, left me longing for more. Although we were given glimpses into his story, I felt there could have been more exploration of his character. Nevertheless, his protective nature and the chemistry between him and Onia made their relationship truly wholesome.
In conclusion, The Fall of Souls is a book that dragged me out of a reading slump and provided a much-needed escape. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys mythology and slow burn romances.
The story begins with Onia, a young woman consumed by grief after the loss of her father, who had been suffering from memory loss. As Onia tries to make a living through her soul readings, she encounters strange monsters one night, only to be saved by a man named Ra, who reveals himself to be the son of Anubis. Ra informs Onia that she is the daughter of Ma'at and that she is needed to return to the Halls to fulfill her role in guiding souls. Thus, their journey together begins.
Although I was prepared for a myriad of names and designations associated with the Greek myths in this book, I found little confusion thanks to the author's adept explanations and distinct portrayal of each character. While some names were similar, any confusion was not the fault of the author.
The heart of this story lies in the soulmates romance, which initially drew me to this book. However, it offers so much more than that. From the search for Ma'at's murderer to the exploration of difficult and abusive family relationships, there is a rich tapestry of intrigue and emotion woven throughout the narrative. Despite the initially odd writing style, I eventually became fully engrossed in the story around the 10% mark.
The romance in this book develops at a slow burn pace, which I appreciated. However, I did find myself wanting more scenes between Ra and Onia, showcasing their endearing and playful dynamic. The wait was anguishing, but the eventual payoff was worth it. I was slightly disappointed by the lack of an epilogue or further exploration of their relationship at the end.
The intense, heart-breaking, sweet, and beautiful moments in The Fall of Souls captured my heart from the start. I'm an avid mythology lover, and this book skillfully brought Nubian myths to life, intertwining them with a compelling enemies-to-lovers storyline and the concept of fated soulmates. The world-building was expertly described, and the fight scenes, particularly the one between Onia and Nejeri, left an indelible impression on my mind.
The only reason I didn't give this book a full five stars was because, as the story progressed, the emotional impact and sense of adventure diminished slightly, and I was hoping for a more impactful ending. I anticipated a cliffhanger, which unfortunately didn't materialize.
Onia is a fearless and strong protagonist, and I deeply admired her determination. The author skillfully portrayed her vulnerability amidst her strength, which added depth to her character. Ra, on the other hand, left me longing for more. Although we were given glimpses into his story, I felt there could have been more exploration of his character. Nevertheless, his protective nature and the chemistry between him and Onia made their relationship truly wholesome.
In conclusion, The Fall of Souls is a book that dragged me out of a reading slump and provided a much-needed escape. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys mythology and slow burn romances.
December 1, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Pleasure & Power Publishing for giving me this ARC! Here, I leave my honest review.
Actual rating 3.5 ⭐, 2 🌶
What attracted me to read this book was the Egyptian Myth reimagining. I always love to read book with the influence of some myth, and actually I have high expectation from this book.
I love how the author done greatly in world building of this book. It's easy for me to follow the world and the God & Goddess. I can easily imagine how the world works, it's not hard to knowing the other characters despite them being a God or Goddess because the author stay true to the myth.
The story is slow, super slow. With the development of character, plot, relationship between Ra and Onia and all of them. It feels like a long journey, just to make Onia arrive at the Hall and meet her fate. Of course we saw some of conflicts but I think most of them is the tension between Ra and Onia. Well, the tension always there until half the book. After arrive at Ma'at, I don't think I saw Onia's struggle to become an Empress, we are only shown a glimpse of it, we are not told much about this Ma'at, the story behind it but suddenly we investigate the death of Onia's mother. Even then there really isn't any clue except at the end of the story which suddenly reaches a very clear conclusion. I think this book focuses too much on Ra and Onia's special relationship. Endless tension arises, they struggle not to be attracted to each other. The romance story takes too much portion in this book.
I actually like the relationship that Onia and Ra have. The tension that is created between them and how they struggle to hide their feelings. Well, it's also very slow burn. You've been warned! But, I like the soulmate concept that is alluded to in this book, the story of Onia and Ra is also very sweet. I like Ra who really fights for Onia's life here. Well, he's my favorite character. Onia had too high self-esteem at the beginning which annoyed me with her character.
In my opinion, the story is good, but it's too heavy on the romance side, the other stories are like a complement that are not thoroughly developed.
Actual rating 3.5 ⭐, 2 🌶
What attracted me to read this book was the Egyptian Myth reimagining. I always love to read book with the influence of some myth, and actually I have high expectation from this book.
I love how the author done greatly in world building of this book. It's easy for me to follow the world and the God & Goddess. I can easily imagine how the world works, it's not hard to knowing the other characters despite them being a God or Goddess because the author stay true to the myth.
The story is slow, super slow. With the development of character, plot, relationship between Ra and Onia and all of them. It feels like a long journey, just to make Onia arrive at the Hall and meet her fate. Of course we saw some of conflicts but I think most of them is the tension between Ra and Onia. Well, the tension always there until half the book. After arrive at Ma'at, I don't think I saw Onia's struggle to become an Empress, we are only shown a glimpse of it, we are not told much about this Ma'at, the story behind it but suddenly we investigate the death of Onia's mother. Even then there really isn't any clue except at the end of the story which suddenly reaches a very clear conclusion. I think this book focuses too much on Ra and Onia's special relationship. Endless tension arises, they struggle not to be attracted to each other. The romance story takes too much portion in this book.
I actually like the relationship that Onia and Ra have. The tension that is created between them and how they struggle to hide their feelings. Well, it's also very slow burn. You've been warned! But, I like the soulmate concept that is alluded to in this book, the story of Onia and Ra is also very sweet. I like Ra who really fights for Onia's life here. Well, he's my favorite character. Onia had too high self-esteem at the beginning which annoyed me with her character.
In my opinion, the story is good, but it's too heavy on the romance side, the other stories are like a complement that are not thoroughly developed.
January 19, 2023
*Thank you to NetGalley and Pleasure & Power Publishing for a copy of this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review***
I really enjoy reading re-imaginings from different mythologies and cultures, especially when they revolve around the character of ‘Death’ (hello Hades and Thanatos, Anubis and Ammit- even you Hella and good old fashioned Lucifer 👋🤷♀️) I’m a sucker for the fact that they’re not actually the bad guy, and it is in fact all about BALANCE 🤷♀️😅 usually…. But even when they do turn out to be the villain, it’s usually a fun ride 🙈😂
ANYWAY- So when I saw this new adult book that promised sexy gods and ancient Egyptian magic I requested right away!
Recently orphaned Onia, who is used to trusting no one but herself and fending for herself once her fathers health began to deteriorate, is thrust into the world of Egyptian gods and goddess’ after finding out her absent mother was in fact Ma’at, the goddess of justice and balance in the Hall, and that job has now fallen to her. To guide her to her mothers hall is the rugged and handsome Ra, of house Anubis, who will not let the sizzling attraction felt between them get in the way of his duty to guard her and keep her safe. But amongst the secrets and power-plays of Ma’at halls, can they keep their distance and do what has to be done to save the souls and keep the world in balance?
I enjoyed the tropes in this story, and I think that it was great to explore a slightly less delved into mythology, HOWEVER I did find that the writing expected the reader to already have a prior knowledge on Egyptian gods and goddesses’ so the character and world weren’t as developed as they could have been. I felt that this book had quite a lot of potential but struggled with pacing and lost some of the interesting side characters and politics amongst the slightly repetitive ‘do-I-don’t-I’ feelings of the two main characters. Ra’s and Onia’s bond however is something I love and I’m always a sucker for the ‘would die for her’ trope.
This was an enjoyable slow-burn romantasy, but I hope some of the grammatical and spelling errors are ironed out before publication :)
I really enjoy reading re-imaginings from different mythologies and cultures, especially when they revolve around the character of ‘Death’ (hello Hades and Thanatos, Anubis and Ammit- even you Hella and good old fashioned Lucifer 👋🤷♀️) I’m a sucker for the fact that they’re not actually the bad guy, and it is in fact all about BALANCE 🤷♀️😅 usually…. But even when they do turn out to be the villain, it’s usually a fun ride 🙈😂
ANYWAY- So when I saw this new adult book that promised sexy gods and ancient Egyptian magic I requested right away!
Recently orphaned Onia, who is used to trusting no one but herself and fending for herself once her fathers health began to deteriorate, is thrust into the world of Egyptian gods and goddess’ after finding out her absent mother was in fact Ma’at, the goddess of justice and balance in the Hall, and that job has now fallen to her. To guide her to her mothers hall is the rugged and handsome Ra, of house Anubis, who will not let the sizzling attraction felt between them get in the way of his duty to guard her and keep her safe. But amongst the secrets and power-plays of Ma’at halls, can they keep their distance and do what has to be done to save the souls and keep the world in balance?
I enjoyed the tropes in this story, and I think that it was great to explore a slightly less delved into mythology, HOWEVER I did find that the writing expected the reader to already have a prior knowledge on Egyptian gods and goddesses’ so the character and world weren’t as developed as they could have been. I felt that this book had quite a lot of potential but struggled with pacing and lost some of the interesting side characters and politics amongst the slightly repetitive ‘do-I-don’t-I’ feelings of the two main characters. Ra’s and Onia’s bond however is something I love and I’m always a sucker for the ‘would die for her’ trope.
This was an enjoyable slow-burn romantasy, but I hope some of the grammatical and spelling errors are ironed out before publication :)
November 29, 2022
rating: ★★★★
spice: 🌶️🌶️½
ohmygod this was so good. soo soo good, let’s start with that. i dived into this purely based off of that synopsis cuz it gave me thriller/dirty politics vibe along with the soulmate element in play? yes please.
Okay so there is a lot to unpack here. Starting with the whole concept of Nubian gods and goddesses retelling that was also mentioned in the blurb, it totally did it justice. I’m not very familiar with the culture, but what I do know is that i’m a HUGE fan of anything mythological. From the spooky medieval setting to the characters in every color, it had it all. Great plot with the correct amount of suspense and also, AN HANDSOME AND GRUMPY GUARDIAN WHO MIGHT BE THE POTENTIAL
SOULMATE???
Absolutely yes.
I love how Onia and Ra’s relationship kinda sat in the forbidden romance area for 30-40% of the book. It really gave off the slow burn enough space to drive u crazy.(which it did) As we neared the 50% mark, things turned out to progress slowly and it began to tire & drain me of the flow to keep reading. This is probably the reason why it took me almost a week extra to finish this book, I just couldn't find the encouragement. But as the story caught up the tension & weight of the situation, it really started to stir my attention. I enjoyed it thoroughly cuz it constantly kept me on my toes and as the secrets began to reveal themselves, it kept getting better and better.
Since this is the first book, i assumed it might end on a cliffhanger. I’m kinda mad that it didn’t, but also relieved because i don’t think i would have handled it well.
I’m so happy that I came across this book there’s NO WAY i could have missed it!! PLEASE I REQUEST I NEED THE SECOND BOOK SOON😭
Thankyou so much netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
[ THE FALL OF SOULS COMES DEC 19, 2022]
spice: 🌶️🌶️½
ohmygod this was so good. soo soo good, let’s start with that. i dived into this purely based off of that synopsis cuz it gave me thriller/dirty politics vibe along with the soulmate element in play? yes please.
Okay so there is a lot to unpack here. Starting with the whole concept of Nubian gods and goddesses retelling that was also mentioned in the blurb, it totally did it justice. I’m not very familiar with the culture, but what I do know is that i’m a HUGE fan of anything mythological. From the spooky medieval setting to the characters in every color, it had it all. Great plot with the correct amount of suspense and also, AN HANDSOME AND GRUMPY GUARDIAN WHO MIGHT BE THE POTENTIAL
SOULMATE???
Absolutely yes.
I love how Onia and Ra’s relationship kinda sat in the forbidden romance area for 30-40% of the book. It really gave off the slow burn enough space to drive u crazy.(which it did) As we neared the 50% mark, things turned out to progress slowly and it began to tire & drain me of the flow to keep reading. This is probably the reason why it took me almost a week extra to finish this book, I just couldn't find the encouragement. But as the story caught up the tension & weight of the situation, it really started to stir my attention. I enjoyed it thoroughly cuz it constantly kept me on my toes and as the secrets began to reveal themselves, it kept getting better and better.
Since this is the first book, i assumed it might end on a cliffhanger. I’m kinda mad that it didn’t, but also relieved because i don’t think i would have handled it well.
I’m so happy that I came across this book there’s NO WAY i could have missed it!! PLEASE I REQUEST I NEED THE SECOND BOOK SOON😭
Thankyou so much netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
[ THE FALL OF SOULS COMES DEC 19, 2022]
November 29, 2022
The Fall of Souls by R.A. Moreau is a standalone fantasy romance that draws its inspiration from Nubian mythology to create a breathtaking love story that will capture the hearts of readers. It focuses on Onia, the secret daughter of the Goddess Ma’at, and Ra, the son of Anubis who is her guardian as she transitions from a mortal life to one among the gods.
There is a lot to love about this book. The characters are captivating, and when Onia and Ra are together their chemistry is electrifying. Their relationship starts rather quickly as they travel from Onia’s home towards the entrance to the Hall, but once they arrive in the realm of the gods it becomes a slow burn. When they finally do let go and give into their desires it makes the wait worth it.
Onia is a strong, independent woman who’s backstory and personality make her an instant favorite. Ra is loyal, brave, and his devotion to Onia is swoon worthy. He is the perfect example of a leading man in a fantasy romance.
The plot is extremely interesting, and the gods that are shared between the Nubian and Egyptian cultures give some familiarity to anyone not familiar with Nubian mythology. It does slow down a bit in the middle as Onia tries to find her way in her new life, but the first half and final quarter of the book had me binge reading. It also makes the steamy moments in the second half of the book that much more satisfying for the reader.
Moreau’s writing is also spot on. Everything is written from the first person, but both Onia and Ra serve as narrators. Each character’s voice felt unique and yet the overall writing was consistent throughout the book so it wasn’t jarring when the characters changed. I also loved the attention to detail, like the use of cubits as a measurement.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book. I would give 4 stars and a level 3 for a spice rating.
There is a lot to love about this book. The characters are captivating, and when Onia and Ra are together their chemistry is electrifying. Their relationship starts rather quickly as they travel from Onia’s home towards the entrance to the Hall, but once they arrive in the realm of the gods it becomes a slow burn. When they finally do let go and give into their desires it makes the wait worth it.
Onia is a strong, independent woman who’s backstory and personality make her an instant favorite. Ra is loyal, brave, and his devotion to Onia is swoon worthy. He is the perfect example of a leading man in a fantasy romance.
The plot is extremely interesting, and the gods that are shared between the Nubian and Egyptian cultures give some familiarity to anyone not familiar with Nubian mythology. It does slow down a bit in the middle as Onia tries to find her way in her new life, but the first half and final quarter of the book had me binge reading. It also makes the steamy moments in the second half of the book that much more satisfying for the reader.
Moreau’s writing is also spot on. Everything is written from the first person, but both Onia and Ra serve as narrators. Each character’s voice felt unique and yet the overall writing was consistent throughout the book so it wasn’t jarring when the characters changed. I also loved the attention to detail, like the use of cubits as a measurement.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book. I would give 4 stars and a level 3 for a spice rating.
February 28, 2023
the cover: GORGEOUS i love it so much
the FMC: Onia- we follow Onia as she discovers her lineage and the truth of the powers she's felt all along. she grows throughout the book while being strong, smart, and learning to find people she can trust
the MMC: Ra- the guardian who was sent to find and bring the next Empress to the Hall to help the flow of souls in the afterlife. things get complicated when he feels a pull to the person he's supposed to be protecting. we follow Ra through dealing with family dynamics, political intrigue, and the determination of his fate
POV: 1st person dual perspective
HEA: yes!
spice: there are several open-door spicy scenes and plenty of longing during the slow burn!
TWs: violence, murder, patricide, death of a parent, mental abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse
standalone?: 1st book in The Book of Kan series
final thoughts: this book was great- fast paced with a slow burn romance. lots of action, world building, and family dynamics kept the book very interesting and hard to put down. i loved reading the story from the FMC and MMCs POVs 😍 but i didn't love that it didn't follow a lot of common storyline of the house of Anubis. the family dynamics were hard to wrap my head around (parents, children, and partners that don't match with Egyptian Deities, physical embodiments that don't match with Egyptian Deities, and Anubis being depicted as the bad guy 😩😢) once i was able accept those things, i really enjoyed the book but i kept finding myself taken back when certain relationships were mentioned LOL
read this book if you love
🙏 Egyptian god retellings
💘 fated mates
🔮 powers/non-human elements
🌎 wonderful but not hard to follow world building
🔥 slow burn
the FMC: Onia- we follow Onia as she discovers her lineage and the truth of the powers she's felt all along. she grows throughout the book while being strong, smart, and learning to find people she can trust
the MMC: Ra- the guardian who was sent to find and bring the next Empress to the Hall to help the flow of souls in the afterlife. things get complicated when he feels a pull to the person he's supposed to be protecting. we follow Ra through dealing with family dynamics, political intrigue, and the determination of his fate
POV: 1st person dual perspective
HEA: yes!
spice: there are several open-door spicy scenes and plenty of longing during the slow burn!
TWs: violence, murder, patricide, death of a parent, mental abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse
standalone?: 1st book in The Book of Kan series
final thoughts: this book was great- fast paced with a slow burn romance. lots of action, world building, and family dynamics kept the book very interesting and hard to put down. i loved reading the story from the FMC and MMCs POVs 😍 but i didn't love that it didn't follow a lot of common storyline of the house of Anubis. the family dynamics were hard to wrap my head around (parents, children, and partners that don't match with Egyptian Deities, physical embodiments that don't match with Egyptian Deities, and Anubis being depicted as the bad guy 😩😢) once i was able accept those things, i really enjoyed the book but i kept finding myself taken back when certain relationships were mentioned LOL
read this book if you love
🙏 Egyptian god retellings
💘 fated mates
🔮 powers/non-human elements
🌎 wonderful but not hard to follow world building
🔥 slow burn
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