Every legend has a beginning.
With their freedom on the line, a young woman and a rakish pirate take their fate into their own hands as they attempt to find a lost mythical isle with the power to save their entire world.
Saoirse yearns to be powerless. Cursed from childhood with a volatile magic, she’s managed to imprison it within, living under constant terror that one day it will break free. And it does, changing everything.
Horrified at her loss of control, Saoirse’s parents offer her hand to the cold and ruthless Stone King. Knowing she’ll never survive such a cruel man, Saoirse realizes there is only one path forward…she must break her curse.
On the eve of her wedding, Saoirse seeks out the legendary Wolf of the Wild—Faolan, a feral, silver-tongued pirate. He swears to help rid her of the deadly magic, if she’ll use it to locate a lost mythical isle first. Crafted by the slaughtered gods, it’s the only land that could absorb her power.
But Saoirse knows better than to trust a pirate’s word. With the wrath of her disgraced father and scorned betrothed chasing them, Saoirse adds one last condition to protect if Faolan wants her on his ship, he’ll have to marry her first.
My thoughts:
It feels like no one is talking about this hidden gem. Maggie Rapier’s debut novel, Soulgazer, is everything you could want in a romantasy. This book has it all: pirates, magic, and a beautifully crafted Celtic-inspired world, not to mention the exquisite romantic tension and yearning of a slow-burn romance. It’s utterly captivating.
Rapier’s lyrical writing pulls you in from the first page and doesn’t let go. Her prose is lush and vivid, painting a stunning picture of a crew of misfit pirates and their world of forgotten gods and terrifying magic. While occasionally leaning towards the verbose, the writing’s charm is undeniable.
As beautiful as the writing is, it’s the characters that truly make this a five-star read. Saoirse is deeply sheltered but yearns for freedom—to see the world and find where she truly belongs. Faolan and his motley crew of pirates offer her an escape from her predetermined life and a chance to choose her own destiny. Though brash and sometimes rude, the pirates are unapologetically themselves, forming an odd but endearing family. While they may not immediately trust Saoirse, they welcome her and help her grow into her own strength.
Saoirse’s journey is heartbreaking at times, but her perseverance makes her one of the most relatable characters I’ve encountered. She proves that strength exists in everyone, no matter how fragile they may seem.
Faolan is her perfect opposite: bold, brash, and seemingly fearless. His cocky, quick-witted exterior hides deeper layers, and the vulnerable side that Saoirse draws out is perhaps even more compelling than his swagger.
The plot is intriguing, if somewhat slow-paced. The beginning focuses heavily on world-building, with the central narrative taking shape later on. While I might have preferred a quicker start, the story remained engaging and was a surprisingly quick read.
Overall, Soulgazer is a beautifully written tale with unforgettable characters. It concludes satisfyingly while setting the stage for the duology’s next installment. I can’t wait to return to this world and see what awaits them next.
Pirates, magic, and a quest for a lost island of the gods? A slow-burn romance full of banter, and a golden retriever-esque male lead? It’s as if Maggie Rapier gathered all my favorite elements and wove them into the perfect book. Soulgazer delivers a unique story with fascinating characters and gorgeous prose. It’s a slow-burn romance with fantastic tension and delightful banter. I adored it and am eagerly awaiting the sequel.