The Book of Souls is quite a trip! I rather enjoyed it as a novel, I'm a little concerned and disturbed at the idea of the author promoting it as a self-help book based on real-life experiences... The vivid imagery and multiple timeline narrative helped keep it interesting throughout.

This is not really my kind of listen I am more of a psychological thriller reader/listener than a horror book fan
That said it was definitely full of twists and scary beings , It also had a weird twist to it and a very dark storyline

Wow, what an absolutely thrilling read. This book is Kevin Moore’s first full-length novel and I honestly couldn’t be more impressed. This was just the book I needed to pull me out of a funk with a whole string of mediocre reads. It was gripping right from the epilogue, had a serious creep-factor throughout the whole thing, and a storyline that kept me interested and engaged.

The buildup at the ending was spot-on and I was left satisfied, but still had some unanswered questions. I was SO excited when I listened to the closing credits and learned that there is a sequel coming out in October of this year! As far as I know, this will be the only follow up to this one and I am beyond thrilled to see how the story concludes and to read any other books he comes out with in the future.

The author has been known to refer to this as a "self help book - based on a true event which just happens to be a paranormal thriller." I don’t know the back story to this but I am super curious to find out. I’ve learned that he is really into lucid dreaming so I’m not sure if that’s the connection or not. Either way, this book is creepy as hell and I will be recommending it to all my dark fantasy/ supernatural horror loving friends!

Huge thank you to @booksforwardpr and @netgalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!

Oh Man, this is so much scarier and darker than I expected it to be. The premise of this book was very interesting and I was fully engaged throughout the book. Because I was listening to the audiobook, the switching between different points of view of both Jack & Kasper was a bit confusing at times so I guess reading the actual book is better on this one. But all in all, you will be engrossed and creeped out with the storyline, I keep cursing as I listened to it. I cannot wait for the 2nd book!

Thank you Netgalley & author for providing me an ARC for this book in return for an honest review.

The book of souls - Kevin Moore

Loved the beginning got straight into it. Found the last half to lag a bit. The storyline “based on true events” really? 😂

Thank you for this ARC @netgalley and Kevin Moore.

"Step into this spellbinding paranormal thriller as 40-something Jack Kelly travels into his 13-year-old self with the sudden ability to interact with the dead and battles demons. The first half of a duology, The Book of Souls (March 8, 2022, Books Fluent) is based on true events in Kevin Moore’s life and his ability to use lucid dreaming to speak with his passed loved ones. Foreword Clarion Review says, "An eerie tone permeates the entire story, with even mundane events feeling off-kilter. The whole cast seems to have multiple personas, all tinged with darkness.""

I found this audiobook so creepy! The narrator was great and had a good tone for the audiobook. The story line was good and the fact it was based on a true story made the book even creepier.

However I found myself wanting a little more from the plot. Overall an enjoyable horror listen

The book of souls was a creepy listen. It was well written and narrated. Creepier to hear it was based on a real story.

The Book of Souls by Kevin Moore was a mildly haunting story about Jack a middle age married man with children who woke up from an accident as a teenager. I felt the story drug on and on with the mundane life of a teenage boy who could see spirits. His numerous contacts with ghosts, shadows, and ability to read people's minds got boring. I thought there was too much explanation of scenes that didn’t even need to be in the book. A little scary and creepy, but not real horror. Maybe reading a print copy instead of listening to an audiobook would have been better. I won’t be reading/listening to the next book.

Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Jack Kelly, a married family man, wakes up one day in the hospital. He's had an accident, sure, but what he's really worried over is that he no longer appears to be who he believes he is. Rather than an adult in what could be considered the prime of his life, he now seems to be a few decades younger...and has traveled back in time. From here starts a journey of demons, ghosts, horror, and souls. As Jack tries to navigate this brand new world in order to make it home to his alleged family, we get to see more than one person's story unfold. So, the adventure begins.

This was such a ride! I always try to keep my hopes pretty relaxed when it comes to new authors, but Kevin Moore really wrote a story I couldn't put down. I listened to it via audiobook, and the narrator did a great job pulling me in as well!

The first chapter throws us into the world head first before taking us back to the beginning, which gives us some context for Jack's future thoughts. By the time we see Jack wake up after his accident, we already know what may be coming thanks to that first chapter, but goodness gracious, we don't know even the half of it.

I really enjoyed the horror and occult elements that were in this book, the descriptions were pretty vivid, and I ended up really liking the additional storyline that gets added about halfway through the book, even if it did get a little muddled and seem to drag on here and there. I was intrigued by everything that was happening and couldn't wait to see where the story would go next (and if Jack would be able to make it back to his original body...or memories?)!

This was a fun read, but it wasn't without a couple of negatives. I didn't completely understand the profanity that Jack was spewing in the early portion of the book. It was made out to be kind of a big deal, but then awhile later just completely stopped without any reason for it that I could see. The logic just didn't seem to be there which made the choice to add so much profanity seem gratuitous. Aside from that, later on in the book there were some unclear character changes, as well as some other inconsistencies that perhaps could've been tidied up by some more read throughs and edits.

All of that said, I did really enjoy this and definitely would be interested in checking out the next installment. I want to see what happens next!

*I was given a copy of this title via Netgalley in return for an honest review.

I wanted to pick an audiobook after finishing up reading e-books, so this AB attracted me enough to read it as soon as I saw it is accessible. It was an inexplicable story on its way leading to consuming total mind make sense at the end of the story. And yeah, it took time.

Brief; Jack Kelly has a beautiful life living with a lovely wife and 3 kids up until one day hit by an unfortunate migraine lead to be stuck as 13 year-old-boy, not only living as a teenage routine completely but dealing with demons and ghosts. How he will come out of 13 yr old to a mature married man is the question which is hanged will be said in the sequel.

This audiobook has 40 chapters dawning with a prologue, comprised of Parts 1&2. Chapter 1 has 4 parts which were a bit confusing to me but you can shove them off once you adjust the story.

It is a paranormal thriller with a lot of webbed minor stories which makes me tell you that the plot has many subplots which will unravel the connection of how the bundle has been spun. It is still not clear to me how Jack Kelley's related sequence(s), maybe revealed in "The Book of Demons".


I like the plot setting and characters bringing the story to life which is an important aspect to revoke emotions, especially for it is the audio version; However, the narration was not up to the mark could have been better. The protagonist design has been put up very well. it did justice throughout the story though he was trapped inside the body it was always reminded of a mature man yet showing up teen boy gesture as well. It has been a mindboggling ending that I haven't thought for a second it could be that sinister has befallen Jack. it has a flashback and flash forward concept and multiple narrator views which were very confusing as you know it takes a lot of effort to perk ears listen carefully.

Advice to readers: It has a lot of characters, so do not get confused for it is to listen with a lot of patience and consistency. In addition, do not kill the curiosity in the middle will be vain if you jump in anywhere between the chapters because they have been arranged and organized in a way that can be understood if attained to be listened to.

What I like the most is being the selfless and daring quality of the protagonist, the organization of chapters, and the unpredictable theme. This is because there has been no mention of such theme elements in the blurb, so one has to find out by reading, as in my view, it is more than Jack's story. He is the key to the story I'm waiting to know who is the lock after Kasper Greenstreet. furthermore, I'm heartbroken to see Jack hope to return home is still stay put.

Trigger Warnings: sexual assault, self-harming, child abuse, gender molestation, and queer character haven't been mentioned in the synopsis. It would be risky to those who find this disturbing; Pick if you can handle it. I lost some time where the story is taking because it has many subplots; The narrator's flow was sometimes the same in every sentence except when the post-life of the protagonist as a teen and emerge of Kasper Greencity scenes brought chills. Writing and language were good except for narration it could have been better in my point of view may be others may find convincing so I'll leave it to you then. Having said that, I'm eagerly waiting for the sequel as well.

Thank you @netgally @jenn @booksfluent for the audiobook.

4.0 This story follows Jack who has the American dream; married, with three children. They are all are seemingly a happy family until one of their children falls ill, and exhibits severe illness that doctors cant seem to treat. With the stress of the illness Jack starts to see unknown shadows which leads to going unconscious.
Jacks head trauma not only causes discomfort such as clutter migraines, but now he can hear, smell and see the otherworldly. Also, when Jack wakes up from his head trauma he is now 13 again but his head is 47 and carries the memories of his wife and family. Jack is forced to deal with fighting these demons that haunt him and his neighbors while experiencing the pains of being a adolescent again

There are many characters discussed in this book, and I felt that some of their stories could have been condensed, I found myself losing interest at times and getting distracted and lost.
I also think the book cover could use a more creative artist, I know they say never judge a book by its cover, however, with social media: that statement has a false narrative . IInto todays society; people are drawn to pretty covers, and are more likely to be seen by a larger audience, if the book influencer can display the book on their YouTube channel or Instagram.
I did, however enjoy the horror elements it truly had me on edge of my seat and wanting more.
Overall, this book had a great spiritual message: that will likely stay with me for a lifetime. Thank You for giving me the opportunity to listen to the audiobook for a honest review

Thank you to Netgalley and Books Fluent for sending me an early copy of this book! All opinions are my own!

I have to say that I really wasn't expecting the ending to talk about how this was based on true events, and I think that really tied the book up in a very unexpected and almost sinister way. It made everything all the heavier and richer, and I might not sleep tonight! (Or I might sleep under my bed!)

I think the biggest sticking point for me was that sometimes the book seemed unnecessarily vulgar, and that really took away from the story at times. But other than that, I loved watching Jack navigate the two lives and try to come to terms with what was happening around him. He was very real and that made everything much more relatable and creepy to me.

I enjoyed the other perspectives and thought that the timelines really tied nicely together. I really wanted to see more of that big finale but then I realized that the book is going to have a sequel, so I'm sure that feeling is valid! I loved all of the spooky and creepy vibes and really enjoyed being freaked out by this book! I also really enjoyed the deep conversations that were had in this book and the way that spirituality was centered and explored. It was very thought-provoking and gave an extra depth to the story.

If you're a horror fan or a fan of the paranormal, you'll want to check this book out!

A bewitching tale of a man who goes back in time to discover his gifts.

The story weaved by the author is intriguing and engaging. I enjoyed listening from beginning to end.

Random chapters having multiple parts was a little annoying but nothing that took away from the story at all.

The characters were likable though the growth was slow and at times annoying. By the end the growth of the MC is noticeably changed.

All in all I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a paranormal twisty read with thriller like hints mixed in.

The audio narration was distorted no matter what speakers I played it on but I’m sure that is only due to file issues not the narrator himself.
The narrator was lack luster in character portrayal at times but with many different parts to play and some only being passing spirits it is forgivable.

Overall 3.5⭐️ Read rounded up to 4.

Being a debut author is nerve-wracking. Dealing with multiple perspectives, spaces and timelines even more so. The book was ambitious and should be applauded. This probably just needed more beta reads to tighten up inconsistencies. There need to be more books and stories that question what was and what remains.

The Book of Souls outlines a new way of thinking about the intentions of others and the shadows around you. Kevin Moore guides the reader through his protagonist's struggles almost like he is having a conversation with his readers as the events unfold.
Jack is a forty-seven-year-old man with a wife and three children. When his son becomes sick, Jack begins to see shadows until those shadows whisk him away from his family. Upon waking, Jack learns that he is thirteen years old, and the family he loved was considered to be "an insult to his brain" after a horrific fall in an abandoned building. Jack tries to understand his life, working around his new physical and mental limitations, but can he reconstruct the life of a teenager when he's certain he has already lived it? The book takes a turn when Jack sees a man in the window across the street from his Catholic school. Jack meets the owner of the apartment, Peter, and Peter asks him to work for him. But Jack has a secret he's carried with him since his accident, and the shadows he sees are getting closer. Who was in Peter's apartment, and why is Jack seeing things differently?
The book had a slow start, but background information was needed before the reader could appreciate the journey through the book. I liked the multi-sided characters, and I wanted to change Jack's situation, even though he needed the event to transpire.
I recommend the book for older teens, young adults, and mature readers, as there's a fair number of expletives sprinkled across the pages.

Thank you NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review. This was a good first novel, it was interesting although a little clunky at times. An interesting, light horror.

I didn't think I was going to like this book at first. It started out in a manner that wasn't very appealing or attention-catching. However, it quickly picked up and ended up being a solid 3- or 3.5-star book. I liked the plot, and I felt like it was original and not overdone like a lot of thriller/horror/paranormal novels.

However, there were still some inconsistencies that kept it from being a 4- or 5-star book. According to the afterword, it was this author's first novel. And for a first novel, it was quite good, but there were some things that aggravated me some. The biggest one was the jumping back in forth in point of view.

I don't mind that at ALL between chapters or different sections of the book, but this author did it from sentence to sentence. He'd be narrating from one person's POV - let's say Jack - but then he'd swap over to tell what another character was thinking. But Jack couldn't know what Casper was thinking, so that shift in POV didn't make sense. He did that quite often. It threw me out of the flow of the story.

There was also an inordinate amount of vulgarity. I don't mind vulgarity. I even use it myself on occasion, but in this novel, it often felt forced - vulgarity for the sake of using vulgarity, if that makes sense.

Still, all that aside, I actually liked the book, especially for a first novel. It kept me interested, and the narrator and pacing of the story were both excellent. I'll likely read the second one in the series when it comes out.

This book could have been the next big thing. Honestly. I absolutely loved it until 70% of the way in. Here we go . . .

Highlights:
⭐️THE PLOT. The concept of the plot is so engaging & dynamic as you move through Jack’s story. The fact that he is an adult who wakes up in his 13 year old self & has these paranormal powers now. Just captivating. It gets the reader into the book.
⭐️Writing style. I loved how the majority of the book is from Jack’s POV & how he is helping these souls move forward. Every once in a while, the reader gets a chapter from another perspective (mainly the ghost, Kasper).
⭐️All the characters. I loved the background characters throughout the story too. They way they just clicked with Jack & progressed through the story was interesting as well.
⭐️Jack is such a good main protagonist. He is strong, independent, & mature for a young kid. Even though, he believes he is an adult in his young body, I think, even you d Jack would act similar to adult, Jack.

Pitfalls:
❌The ending. The last 30% to be honest tanked. The whole ending took way too long. There was so much repeating & cross referencing to pull everything back together that I found myself zoning out & having to go back. It honestly just ruined the whole book, all the re-explaining & trying to connect the plot to this bigger picture.

I found myself bound in a nice dark supernatural thriller. I liked the concept and the switching between characters. The narrator was great for this reading. Basically a man wakes up from a coma with his adult mind in a fourteen year olds body. The rest is a great setup to a series and I look forward to the follow up.

ARC audiobook provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

“The Book of Souls” is a paranormal journey across time. The protagonist, Jack Kelly, has his life turned upside down after an accident. Before the accident, Jack was happily married middle aged man with three children. After the accident, he awakes as his 13-year-old self. However, he remembers his adult life clearly. In addition, Jack is thrown as he discovers his 13-year-old self has survived a major fall and injury that was previously attributed to his brother, Brick. Somehow, not only has Jack been thrown back in time, but his past has also changed, leaving Jack reeling.

However, that’s not it. Jack has also developed the ability to read people’s minds, recall their pasts, smell their feelings and fears, and see and hear dead people, demons, ghosts, and shadowy creatures. As Jack tries to cope with what has happened with the hope of returning home to his own timeline, various characters are introduced to help him along. Jack’s story isn’t all about him, though. Instead, Jack has taken on the task of attempting to help a ghost he has discovered cross over, all with a little help from his friends.

The story is an interesting premise with a lot of possibilities. I was intrigued and excited to start this book and see where Jack’s journey took him. As the tale progresses and characters are introduced, chapters switch perspectives and timelines to give a full picture of the important characters and their histories. This helps to really develop the characters and engage the reader. I went along for the ride as the ghost’s history was revealed, and I cheered Jack on as he fought to help the ghost cross over.

That being said, Jack’s struggle to help a ghost cross over is fraught not only with resistance from the ghost, but also attacks from demons and shadowy creatures who feed off his fear. However, there is a big hole left in this book as to what is happening with these dark creatures, why Jack is involved, and what needs to be done. It is a mystery that, I am assuming, will be addressed in the second part of this duology when the book is released this Fall. I hope so at least, as my major issue with this book is the lack of information and resolution relative to this mystery.

The flow of the book was pretty good. I did, unfortunately, find that some areas dragged on, throwing me out of my immersion in the book. Despite this, I do believe that the multiple timelines and characters weaved together well, which seems it would be a difficult task. The book did answer some questions and resolved some of the storyline, but, as expected, it did end on a cliffhanger due to its position as the first book in a duology.

To the extent that my copy was an audiobook, I must say it was narrated well. The voices pulled you into each character without sounding false. The narrative flowed well and was well-performed.

Overall, I believe this book was pretty good. Could it have been flushed out a bit better? Yes. However, the story is interesting enough to engage me as a reader and leave me wanting to see where the story goes in the next book in the series. That being said, I won’t be obsessively waiting for the release of the next book, and I don’t think I’d be disappointed if I missed it. Essentially, this book was middle-of-the-road for me. Good enough to leave me curious, but not good enough to leave me on the edge of my seat. I do believe this book would be good for young adult readers, readers who enjoy ghost stories, and readers who are new to paranormal books. The book overall does flow pretty well and should engage these types of readers. Just make sure you are prepared to be left with a lot of questions at the cliffhanger ending.