Forest of Souls by Lori M. Lee - Rajiv's Reviews -Book Review

Forest of Souls (Shamanborn #1) by Lori M. Lee

Release:June 23, 2020
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Page Street Kids
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

Sirscha Ashwyn comes from nothing, but she’s intent on becoming something. After years of training to become the queen’s next royal spy, her plans are derailed when shamans attack and kill her best friend Saengo.

And then Sirscha, somehow, restores Saengo to life.

Unveiled as the first soulguide in living memory, Sirscha is summoned to the domain of the Spider King. For centuries, he has used his influence over the Dead Wood—an ancient forest possessed by souls—to enforce peace between the kingdoms. Now, with the trees growing wild and untamed, only a soulguide can restrain them. As war looms, Sirscha must master her newly awakened abilities before the trees shatter the brittle peace, or worse, claim Saengo, the friend she would die for.

Danger lurks within the roots of Forest of Souls, an epic, unrelenting tale of destiny and sisterhood, perfect for fans of Naomi Novik and Susan Dennard.

About the Author:

Lori M. Lee is the author of FOREST OF SOULS, first in the Shamanborn duology, as well as GATES OF THREAD AND STONE and THE INFINITE. She’s also a contributor to the anthologies A THOUSAND BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS and COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES. She considers herself a unicorn aficionado, enjoys marathoning TV shows, and loves to write about magic, manipulation, and family.

Forest of Souls Review:

In many ways, “Forest of Souls” is refreshing YA Fantasy novel that steps away from the norm. This turned out to be a very enjoyable read.

The main thing which I really loved about the story is the friendship. The author beautifully highlights Sirscha’s friendship with Saengo and Phaut. In most Young adult novels, you expect a love interest of the main character and her male counterparts. However, I was happy to see no unnecessary romance between Sirscha and the men she encounters like Theyen and Prince Meilek.

Moreover, I also loved the author’s style of writing. There are so many twists and turns and adventures that Sirscha encounters. Most of the characters were written in an intriguing manner. I loved Theyen and his interactions with Sirscha. Also, I hated Jonyah to the core and thought he was one of the most despicable characters I have read recently. Moreover, I also loved how the author introduces snippets of Kendara and Queen Meilyr. Even though we don’t see them much, I am excited to read about them in the following books.

However, my main problem with the story was in the world building. The world building is very complex and there are a lot of kingdoms with various types of groups, having their own powers. Although I am glad for the glossary, it was tedious going back and forth to recall the characteristics. On a side note, I also found Sirscha to be a bit annoying. At times, she randomly goes on missions to find answers, based on her own justifications. Half the time, she has no basis for her reasons, and doesn’t realize the danger she puts others in, until its too late.

However, apart from that, I liked Forest of Souls and looking forward to Book 2!

Giveaway:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of FOREST OF SOULS, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the FOREST OF SOULS by Lori M. Lee Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!