Genres: Dark Fantasy, NA Fantasy, Fantasy | Release Date: 31 October 2023 | Series: The Soul Thief Trilogy | Series Book: #2 | Pages: 496 | Publisher: New Dawn | Review
“I would willingly let my monsters tangle with yours.”
Madeline Te Whiu
Overview:
When I received an ARC of The Soul Thief by Madeline Te Whiu (thanks to the generosity of the author and New Dawn Publishing), I admit I let out a noise that actually startled my cat from his sleep. But to get an early copy of the sequel to The Assassin Thief is such a gift (and you can check out my review for that book here)! This dark fantasy promises so much, and bookworms let me tell you right now, it *delivers*. So let’s give you an overview, shall we?
Telium was lured into doing a Fae’s dirty work, and now she must pay the price for killing the King of Thresiel. The Queen wants vengeance, and the tenuous hope of a peace between the kingdoms of Thresiel and Alkoria is collapsing with every breath Telium takes. The assassin thief must stop the rebellion before anything else goes wrong, but can she track down the traitorous Hermitch? And what happens when her soul bonds to another, cementing her life with theirs? The realm is full of deception and darkness, and Telium must find a way to navigate it even though her life is forfeit…
The beautiful Nazgûl horse by Hocus Pony was in his element.
Happiness Boost:
Glitterbugs. I thought The Assassin Thief was exceptional (and it is), but The Soul Thief? Madeline has launched us into the stratosphere with the emotion, danger and level of heart within the pages of this dark fantasy! I am in love with Madeline’s ability to envelop us into the story, making us a witness to the events Telenium and Paxium endure. If I was okay with giving away spoilers, I’d have *so* much more to say about the world building. But I’m trying to balance my excitement with the need to keep surprises to myself!
Okay, we all know I loved Telenium Tenebris Kin in the first book. But in The Soul Thief my love for this character knows no bounds! Telenium has been broken, her guilt and night terrors heightened with every new revelation. But you know what she does? This assassin thief carries on. Her purpose, to bring Hermitch down, is a fire which sparks one of the greatest character growths I’ve ever seen. If you love broken but fierce heroines? A character who falters but keeps going? How about someone who believes she is darkness itself and unlovable, but finds a soul that can speak to this darkness? You *need* to read this.
Every page is a delight. Every chapter contains yet another moment in which readers will fall in love with The Soul Thief. Madeline’s writing is a pure delight, even though she made me cry multiple times. I’m going to sound ridiculous, but some of those tears? They were purely because a paragraph thrilled me and cued the waterworks! I am riding a wave of pure admiration and love over here. This dark fantasy is *epic*.
Downside:
Are you kidding? NO downside!
Final Thoughts:
The Soul Thief by Madeline Te Whiu is a dark fantasy of pure heartache, deception and a magik which thrives in the darkness. I honestly wish everyone else didn’t have to wait until 31 October to read it, because I need to fangirl with people! This is such a beautiful, haunting story. Love what you’ve heard from my review? Just click on either of the links below to pre-order yourself a copy! Happy reading, glitterbugs!
You can pre-order a copy of The Soul Thief via these links:
