It was a dark and stormy night when the Stranger came to call. Sarah Grey’s second child was breached; the twin was going to die.
The Stranger offered help.
Twenty years later, Raven Grey, the second twin born on that fated night, is now an extraordinarily beautiful woman. With a gift.
But what is the price to pay for that gift?
If Raven and her brother can not escape the handsome and powerful elf prince, outwit the dark and dangerous bounty hunter, and defeat the ancient, mighty Death Mage - Raven is sure to learn just what that price is.
Heather Killough-Walden is a California native currently living in Texas with her husband and child. She is the New York Times bestselling author of the Big Bad Wolf series. Heather’s educational background includes religious studies, archeology, and law. She has traveled all over the world but hopes to one day live in a town with a world-class hockey team. (Let’s Go Pens!) Visit Heather’s website at www.killough-walden.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter. Also, be sure to keep in touch with her and other fans through her Facebook fan page and through Twitter (killoughwalden)!
Well, where do I start? I got a Kindle for my birthday last year from my kids, and one of my purchases (after "Lord of the Rings" and "Harry Potter") was the "Big Bad Wolf" series -- just on a whim. I had read the "Twilight" books, and was a definite Team Jacob, so it only seemed natural............Anyway, I real all four of them (in rather quick succession), and thought "I like this author", so I looked at other possibilities, and got "The Vampire King", which was quickly followed by the Phantom and the Warlock! Then I read "Forever Neverland" (who knew Hook could be so...interesting), and just finished "The Chosen Soul", and am on my way to "Drake of Tanith". Whew! I started out thinking "this writer can't keep doing this", but I was very wrong. Ms. Killough-Walden writes an extremely good read, whether she's writing about vampires, werewolves (I prefer to think of them as shape-shifters), demons, or Peter Pan! She is able to keep the story going, and makes the characters likeable (or not), without making them cookie-cutter images. You really find youself caring about these characters, and find it hard to put the book down -- even when you are falling asleep! Frankly, I find it amazing she has been able to write so many books without repeating herself! I am looking forward to continuing my "relationship" with Ms. Killough-Walden for years to come (terribly optimistic for a 71-year old grandmother!!). I have always loved to read, and am so delighted to have found a new author who is so worthwhile! She is a rich indulgence, and a not-so-guilty pleasure!!
This was a great book. The one draw back for me was because of my belief system ~ I am a bible~based Christian and as such believe that the devil is a real entity. This book had a lot of devils and demons in it and whether they were good or bad sometimes became blurred. This often made me uncomfortable and I frequently wished that the author had made them faeries or other supernatural creatures rather than demons.
That aside, I really enjoyed the book. The writing style was clear and the plot was both interesting but easy to follow. This story is about fantasy, action, love (both romantic and familial) and examines the fact that sometimes things are not simply good or bad. Raven Winter Grey is so beautiful that she has men falling for her everywhere she goes, which is something that sometimes proves useful, often is a hindrance and sometimes puts her in extreme danger. Raven thinks that she knows who she is but when a gang of men attempt to rape her, a series of events unfold that show her that she is actually a completely different person, with different parentage, than she actually believed. She finds out that she is the very thing that she and her brother actually abhor! Raven has to explore her new persona, her growing powers and her budding sexuality (which draws her to more than one male) whilst having to avoid being caught and killed by the Death Mage. She also has to decide who she can and cannot trust ~ a difficult decision when some "bad" guys seem to have her safety at heart!
This story was fast paced, exciting and often sensual. It examines the definition of good and bad. The characters were well developed and emotive. I enjoyed the twist at the end of the story, when Raven finally faces up to the Death Mage. I will be purchasing the sequel (due to be released Feb 2012) despite my discomfit with the demons.
**************************************************************************************************** I first read this book 6 months ago and decided to reread it before starting the sequel, Drake of Tannith.
I enjoyed the book as much the second time I read it. Raven Grey is a young woman who feels slightly out of step with everyone else. She is the complete opposite of her beloved twin. Her real identity begins to peek through when a gang of locals try to rape her. This single incident acts as a spring board to revelations that reveal her true identity ~ the daughter of the second most powerful demon in the 9 circles of demon kind.
She has more power and magic within her than she could dream of. In addition to having to cope with the revelation of her true identity, she is being pursued at every turn. The Elf Prince (son of Oberon) finds himself increasingly drawn to her and is determined to possess her. The Death Mage seeks her ~ he wants her soul (which her Father stole from the well of souls) to guarantee his ascension to a deity. Her Father is eager to accept his daughter, now that she recognises him for whom he is and his trusted aide Adonides wants her for his own (but is too frightened of her Father to take much more that a protective stance). Drake of Tannith is a bounty hunter, sent by the Prince to retrieve her. However, even he is unable to resist the innocence and strength of The Chosen Soul.
This story is about fantasy, action, love (both romantic and familial) and examines the fact that sometimes things are not simply good or bad. This is also a very sensual book as Raven begins to awake sexually. I am still uncomfortable with the prominent use of demons (especially as they aren't always bad) and would have preferred Fae or some other fantasy creatures but I did enjoy this fast moving, action packed book immensely. I have already started the sequel, Drake of Tanith.
This book was fantastically bad. I love to read; I read constantly. Fantasy is my favorite, and I've read a heck of a lot of books in the genre. I can honestly say that this is one of the worst of the worst of any books that I have ever read. It's written as if by a middle schooler (guys -- I've graded Power of the Pen stories. A lot of those are better than this) with all "tell" and no "show," it has an incredibly poor plot, its characters are completely flat (and there are many who are introduced for absolutely no reason!), and none of the characters have ANY plausible reactions to ANYTHING. I have absolutely no idea why there are so many positive reviews for this garbage. To me, it's on the level with Twilight (but I actually thought Twilight was BETTER than this). Don't get me wrong -- this book had potential. It has a new, interesting world and concept. But the poor writing and development made it a train-wreck of epic proportions. At least I got it for free on my e-reader. That's my only consolation.
Another pleasant surprise for such an inexpensive book. Grab Killough-Walden's books cheap while you can, because I can't imagine they will be only $1.00 for much longer.
Raven goes through enough of a journey in The Chosen Soul for 2 or 3 books. Although the plot does meander a bit, the pace is kept up with plenty of action and interesting characters. The ending leaves just enough unsettled to set the stage for a sequel, which I will definately pick up when/if it comes out.
I really want to read the next in the series! to bad it will not be released until valentine's day 2012.
Heather Killough-Walden writes a very good story. She introduces us to Raven and her twin brother Loki in this book. The Happenings at their birth eventually send the twins fleeing from their home. On their journey they meet the people that will fight for Raven's future. This is an interesting group. Be it good or bad, Raven soul hold a key to the future of their world as they know it. She is the Chosen Soul.
I'm giving this a tentative 4 star rating. It depends on how good the second book proves to. If this book is the set up for better things to come then the for stars remain. If book 2 is just more of the same as then I might have to shave a star off. But great start! By the way, this leaning more towards HF than PNR for me. Yes there is a love interest but as now it's kind of just simmering in the background...
I've read this book for the second time and I love it! Heather Killough-Walden knows how to write a story with unforgettable characters! I couldn't put this book down!
Raven Grey is a blessed soul...while being born as the 2nd twin, the light of the tiny soul fell. But a stranger arrives with the offer to save the babe and mother...BEHOLD: perfect, beautiful Raven Grey, who now has the oldest soul from Abaddon. The twins look nothing alike: Loki has red/blond hair and is average in build and looks like his father, Raven is tall and willowy with bright blue eyes and flawless skin and looks like HER father. While trying to save herself from gang rape and her brother's would be murderers, Raven frees magic which condemns her to be burned at the stake. Following is the adventures the twins find that fate now has a firm grasp upon. Raven will meet men who do NOT want to let her go and will do anything to hold her. But comes a "man" who Raven would love to hold onto who does everything to set her free...welcomes to the first in a series of three. Raven runs from the men who would subjugate her...which EVERY man of power wants to do to her. As Raven flees from the Fae who would keep her under compulsion and hidden in his ever changing palace, her twin brother, Loki, manages to magically free his sister's mind long enough for her to leave the palace...as they flee the man she truly has feelings for want's nothing more than Raven's happiness. But evil is out to kill Raven or drag her to the ruler of all the kingdoms of Hell...Lord Asmodaus. Will she be doomed to spend eternity bound to any man other than the one she is coming to care for? Or will the "Princess" find freedom has a price that may crush her spirit? #2 in the "Chosen 5oul" series has you gasping in shock! Loki and Raven spend time in the InBetween space to recover from the trauma of Hell and Fairy trying to make them bend to their will...but neither will do so and so it becomes time for them to return to the Terran Plane which has seen a year of time pass. 1,000's of death's are now laid out at Raven's feet, for the two men who will do anything to retrieve her has posted an unpresedented 1,000,000.00 in gold for her safe delivery. Raven leaves the InBetween and follows the urging of the God of Mages, thus starts the quest that seems to grow larger with each stop they make, and the magic and people they acquire along the way can only be directed by her, with an EndGame that will knock you on your butt, to the end you will wonder why it does! Read more...you'll love it!
"The Chosen Soul" had a great plot premise; however, at times the insecurities of the main character got in the way of delivering a truly good read. Additionally, the ending left me totally unsatisfied and now I find that the second book in the series is on hold.
One stormy night a women struggles with the birth of her baby. After the midwife successfully assists her with the birth of her son, she soon began having labor pains again only to discover she is having twins. As she yells and screams in pain, there is a knock at the door. Her husband opens the door to see a stranger requesting shelter from the storm. The husband allows him in. The stranger offers to save the man's wife and second child so the husband agrees. On this night a daughter named Raven is born.
Raven is beautiful and several suiters are seeking her hand in marriage. She is uninterested so three of them attempt to abduct her and rape her. After beating her and her brother, she curses two of them and they are swallowed whole into the earth. The other man runs to the town counsel screaming Raven is a witch and although the council members can see the men had attempted to rape her they plan to burn her anyway.
Her brother helps her escape and they manage to get away from the town. Raven discovers the truth about her birth and heritage and now must come to gripe with her new powers. Sounds great? Well, as I stated, at times I became so frustrated with Raven's character I wanted to scream. She is suppose to have the most power of her kind but she is constantly being beat up by one man or another and stands there taking it. I like for my books to answer my questions even if they have a cliffhanger. However, the ending in this book left me with more questions than answers.
This is the story of the beautiful Raven Grey, the Chosen Soul. A beautiful story with beautiful characters.
I give this book a 4.5 rating. It has a good storyline and many very interesting people. I love the main character, Raven. She's beautiful, smart, brave and powerful. I can understand why so many guys are clamoring to get her attention.
The guys are all very interesting too. The Elf Prince, The Demon, and the Bounty Hunter all have their moments. In fact, the whole time I was reading the book, I couldn't decide which one she should end up with.
I was somehow left hanging by the end of the first book and I'm glad I read it during the time that the 2nd book was already available.
Heather Killough-Walden is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. I love her Kings Series and I am planning to read her other books such as the October trilogy and her newly released Vampire, Vampire. In the meantime, I can't wait to get my hands on the second book, Drake of Tanith.
This was a decent book...but I just can't give it any more than that. I chose this because it looked interesting and it was a great bargain on the kindle. Considering the fact that it was only a dollar, it was a good read. The plot was interesting and original. However, many of the characters left me unsure of whether I actually liked them or not and it often felt like there was just too much going on. The end definitely left be disappointed because it was very abrubt. I realize there are other books planned in this series but I still felt unfullfilled when I put the book down. The build-up was all very interesting and exciting but when it was over that was almost all forgotten because of the let-down. I will probably read further when new books in the series are released just to see if any hanging issues are resolved.
DNF @ 19% 1.5 stars- It's not my cup of tea but that doesn't make it a bad book
I normally really enjoy HKW books so I asked her on facebook what next one she recommends and she recd this one... The problem however, is that I like steaminess to my books and therefore couldn't get into this one. I don't enjoy YA books.
Interesting fantasy, first in a series. Not sure if the author is self-published but if she is, this book is worth the attention of a publishing house. This is the story of Raven and her twin brother Loki. Set in a medieval-type world, where Elves are the ruling elite, and magic is controlled by Mages and Gods, Raven finds herself at the centre of an age-old prophecy which threatens all life if it is allowed to be fulfilled. Winged demons of the Underworld, acolytes of the sun God, bounty hunters, nasty Elves and even an Ork all play a role in an exciting story, one where Raven finds her true self. Recommended if you enjoy an action-packed fantasy.
I JUST FINISHED REREADING THIS BOOK, I LOVE HEATHER'S WRITING, BIG BAD WOLF, THE KINGS, THE GAME, HELL BENT, SHE IS S AWESOME WRITER, BRUSHING UP ON MY STORIES ANTICIPATING THE RELEASE OF THE THIRD BOOK IN THE SERIES, RAVEN SO INNOCENT AND YET SO POWERFUL, I LOVE HOW THE FEMALES ARE THE MOST COVETED AND NEEDED, DRAKE, ALWAYS HAS MUCH FOR TO SHOW THEN WHAT HAS BEEN REVEALED, LOOKING FORWARD TO MOVING ON TO DRAKE OF TANITH AND THEN THE FINAL BOOK, WHICH WILL HOPEFULLY BE RELEASE SOON! GREAT READ!
Pretty good fantasy book, although I was a little disappointed to discover it was the first of a series. Perhaps I didn't read the synopsis cloesly enough, but I was expecting a one shot story and felt a bit unfulfilled when I got to the end and found that I would need to wait to see what happened next. However, at only $1 for the e-book, it was definitely worth it and kept me entertained and interested.
Not the kind of book I would normally read, but I hate to give up something once I start it. This book was very bizarre. In the world of devils and angels Raven Grey and her twin borther Loki embark on a strage journey. She finds out she's the daughter of the Devil king and someone has stolen her soul. The only part of this book I enjoyed was a little twist at the end when the "bad guy's" motives are revealed.
I was pleasantly surprised but knowing this writer, I shouldn't be. I found this to be refreshing and a really strong story line. Just when I thought I had things figured out I quickly and pleasantly learned that I was far from the mark. The characters developed with each one's distinct personality and I find myself committed to yet another series written by Heather-Killough Walden. Kudos!!!
I gave this book 4 stars only because it wouldn't get right to the point of the story. It was good, but not like the book of Kings. I guess it shouldn't stay with with those stories and expect all of Killough-Walden's writings to be the same. However, the story was good, and I enjoyed the characters. Never once did I expect anyone from the rings of hell to be a good soul. That is the beauty of science fiction!
So far I'm having a hard time getting into a book were every character seems to be insanely beautiful, and a young seeming fragile woman has to deal with repeated attempts of rape and then continues her day just fine with herself and not breaking down.... It's holding my attention though, so we'll see.
Ok this one had me skeptical from the first chapter. This is an example of riding it out a bit to see where the author will go. This is interesting to me how I really liked it and its about devils. Crazy concept but it all ends up the struggle of good vs. evil anyhow. Next book comes out in February and I will be reading about our handsome Drake!
I loved this book. It is the first of the Chosen Soul Series. It is about two twins, Raven and her twin brother Loki. It is a great beginning for the series. It sets up the main characters. It is full of action, paranormal characters and romance. You will be very happy with it. I highly suggest that you pick it up. You will want to continue on to the next book in the series, Drake of Tanith.
The storyline was creative and I enjoyed the start of the trilogy. It's a worthy read with I as a reader feel the pull to finish the journey with Heather. There is fantasy with strong characters and a start of a romance. But, still in the air with a drama make over.
While this book was a little slow to start, it turned out to be really good for the price. I loved how Raven is so innocent and took to her new powers with reluctance. Also Loki turns out to be such a savior for her, but in the end Raven has to learn to embrace her heritage. It is a magical story.
I liked the book, even though it seemed like it skipped a few scenes. It is written differently than The Big Bad Wolf series that I read. I do not like that I have to wait until 2012 to read the next on in the series. I can't wait to read it.
The Elven Prince, the Death Mage, Drake the Bounty Hunter, and Loki the twin brother to Raven (aka Winter the She-Devil), each whirl an action packed effort to keep 20 year old Raven in their grasps as she learns who she is and what she can do as The Chosen Soul.
I had a little trouble getting into this book in the beginning but once I pushed through the story did begin to develop and by the end I was left wanting more. I am actually looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Another great book by Heather Killough-Walden. She never ceases to amaze me with how her books just come to life. I can't wait to read book # 2. I loved Raven and then when Drake came into the picture the book got even better. Excellent read.
This is the first book I read by this author and it was an all around good read. I am anxiously awaiting for the story to be continued. I've read this book twice already and have only had it for 6 months.
I love a story where everyone wants the girl and also the bad guy has a very good reason for becoming who he is and that you see his side of it as well. I am eagerly awaiting for the next book to come out because Drake of Tanith sounds really good to me.