i really really wanted to like this (that cover? stunning!! & the description sounds so good) but i just didn’t. :/

for me, the characters fell flat. the MMC kind of just seemed like a caricature of a flirty pirate and i never felt connected to him. the romance was okay - i just did not care. definitely a case of telling rather than showing.

although the concept of the magic system was really interesting, i do think there needed to be more world building. also - a lot of scenes had no context or description. things would just start happening and it would take me a minute to orient myself to the scene.

all that being said, this is decently well written (especially in comparison to a lot of popular romantasy books currently published/being published) & i really liked the overall idea/bones of the story.

Atmospheric, mystical, swashbuckling.
Filled with lore inspired by Celtic myths, Soulgazer is a stunning read. I've been in a significant reading slump over the last few years, and this was the first book in a long while that had me glued to the page. Our heroine, the awkward and slight Saoirse, has spent the better part of her life in exile. The only daughter of a cruel and greedy king, she was sent away to live alone after a terrible tragedy that took the life of her eldest brother. A tragedy that everyone believes was caused by Saoirse herself, and the strange magic humming through her veins. She can sense spirits, receive feeling of foreboding from events yet to come, dream of the dead gods....Shackled with various charms and mushroom-based inks that muffle her powers, she's an outsider among her own people. In her isolation, she dreamed of freedom. And the Wolf.
While at a summit where rulers from each of the six clans gather for the summer solstice, she gets a glimpse of the Wolf of the Wild, the legendary pirate whose exploits have been turned legend. He's in the thick of the celebration, letting everyone know his next quest is to find the Isle of Lost Souls - a mysterious place where the dead ought rest. And to find it, he'll need the girl with ocean eyes to lead him that way. But right as her idol recognizes Saoirse as the ocean-eyed girl he's been searching for, her father announces that she will be married off to the cold Stone King, who rules a rival territory. Saoirse panics, but that fear grows tenfold when her father seeks to further extinguish her cursed magic ahead of her wedding.
After striking a bargain with the Wolf, Saoirse sees herself suddenly married to the hero of her dreams, brought aboard his ship and thrust into a quest to find the lost Isle. His crew is wary, mistrustful of her, and the Wolf pushes his new wife to explore her long-denied powers to help them navigate. It's not going to be as easy as drawing up a map, especially not with Saoirse's father in pursuit, her former betrothed clashing with them on the open seas, and the Wolf's cousin, Queen of the Ashen Flame, keeping a tight leash on them with her fraught bargains.
Fantasy + Romance used to be a combination that was catnip for me, but lately with the market being flooded with ACOTAR knock-offs, I've struggled to find books to my taste. Soulgazer puts the action and adventure first, which I believe makes this a stronger book over all.
Saoirse is growing as a person and within her magic, but she's not given "chosen one" powers. She's still frail, still making mistakes. Her family's trauma, the abuse suffered at the hands of her father, all feels very carefully portrayed. The dynamics that bring about Saoirse's "curse," her father's difficult relationship with his mother, the surviving brother's conflicted loyalties, are all so well drawn.
The Wolf is a very appealing hero - he's a bit Howl-ish in being slightly vain, witty, and too charming for his own good. There were so many bits of dialog between him and our heroine that left me grinning. We find that he's bit of a martyr in his own right, and rails against the trickster-bargains his powerful cousin has cornered him into. But despite his well-earned moniker, Faolan is very gentle with Saoirse while still encouraging her to empower herself. And damnit, while there are plenty of moments throughout the narrative where he's boneheaded about keeping his regard for his new wife too close to his chest (like, so close she can't tell if he likes her let alone loves her), the moments when his emotions burst forth are just swoon-y as hell. He is fighting for his independence, and driven by the promise that uncovering the isle will lead to his debt being paid off to his cousin. Fierce and funny, with a dark edge, I found Faolan, the Wolf, such a great contrast to our heroine.
It might be tempting to call this book YA, but with some very well-written moments of intimacy, it definitely leans more Adult/New Adult. Saoirse is very drawn to her new husband, while he is understandably very cautious about pursuing anything physical. When we do get to the sex, it is very well-portrayed -- awkward and lovely and head-spinning.
I really appreciated Rapier's approach at world building. We're not spoon-fed anything. There's a lot that isn't given explanation, questions we never see answered. Readers are trusted to fill in blanks. She's set up so much atmosphere and color that it was easy to picture the Celtic-inspired setting. These people have no gods, as they were slaughtered generations ago, but they've got plenty of magic. There's political tension between all six clans, and while we never get a full view of the various alliances and enemies, Saoirse narrates enough so that we can grasp the different territories and the individual economies. The magic systems are pretty vague - people can be cursed, there are magical fish whose gills will let you breath underwater if you turn them into necklaces, ghosts make the occasional appearance. Saoirse's specific brand of magic is described in somewhat vague terms, though readers will get the major beats of what it entails. Overall it felt like a good balance of information, not so much as to make the book feel heavy, enough to give a reader a solid grasp on what is going on. No one wants Moby Dick describing whaling levels of lore in a New Adult novel.
The Isle of Lost Souls shifts in what it represents throughout the text, first as a piece of folklore, then as the key to freedom, with its final form bringing the story to its crescendo. My one disappointment was that for a book centered on an island that is supposed to house the souls of the dead, there aren't nearly as many ghosts or discussion of death as I'd imagine. Throughout the text there are pursuits of guidance from the dead, and the occasionally mention of feeling spirits nearby, or even seeing them. A key element is the "soulstone" every person carries that is relinquished when they die. They seem to house the soul of the once living and are dangerous to touch. We learn early on that touching one might've been what cursed Saoirse. But there's not much discussion of what it means to live alongside the dead.
With elements of found family, a heroine who navigates a history of abuse and alienation, a hidden history of long-dead gods, and an epic quest, this might appeal to readers who loved Howl's Moving Castle, Queen of the Tearling, or the works of Tamora Pierce and Robin McKinley. For all of the kids who were constantly buried in Eragon, Graceling, Inkheart, or Ella Enchanted, I think you'll find something to love in Soulgazer
Many thanks to NetGalley for the eARC!

This book is pure magic. It thrums with adventure and danger, but at its core, it is about freedom, not just from the forces that chase them but from the fears that chain them. A beautifully intoxicating mix of peril and passion, it lingers long after the final page, leaving behind the scent of salt and longing in its wake. Highly recommending it.

This was such an amazing debut fantasy romance! The plot was super fast-paced, and the writing style was very easy to read. I thought that the magic system was really interesting as well, and I loved the pirate theme, too! Saoirse was such a great main character, and her character development throughout the book was really great to read. I loved watching her learn to accept herself and come into her power! She was a perfect, flawed, and enjoyable main character. The romance in this book was also super well done! The chemistry between Saoirse and Faolan was well-written, and I loved watching their relationship grow. I thought their characters really complemented each other! Overall, I absolutely adored this book! I think it will end up being one of my favourites of the year. I would completely recommend this book, and I can't wait to read whatever Maggie Rapier writes next! :)

This had all of the makings of a book I would like but unfortunately this didn't land for me. It lacked the clarity and consistency that's crucial in a standalone fantasy world. The magic system was confusing instead of mysterious, Saorise's motivation and critical thinking skills were lacking when convenient for the storyline, and there wasn't enough distinction between the side characters. That said, I did enjoy the pacing, the romance, and the structure of the plot. I'd be interested in reading another book by this author but this one just didn't work for me.

3.5*

A pretty solid debut novel.

There is so much about this book that I loved!

I mean Pirates!! I love a good pirate book.

Faolan & Saoirse, I really enjoyed both of their characters. The romance had great banter, chemistry and so much angst! The scenes of them interacting just the two of them were my favourite. The romance is definitely what kept me most engaged with the story.

The cast of side characters was interesting and I found myself intrigued by a couple of them, wishing we could get their stories as well. The plot was paced nicely, I was excited to see what they'd encounter next and was never bored.

Where this lost me a little is the prose, and the world building/magic.

The writing was flowery at times, which isn't always a bad thing.. but I definitely found myself needing to backtrack and reread paragraphs or sentences quite a few times to make sure I was understanding what was written.

The world building needed more fleshing out. With how this book ended, I'm assuming this is the first book in a possible series? If that's the case, there is definitely room for the author to expand on this.

The magic. This was the most confusing bit.. it was a bit all over the place and I'm not sure if that's due to the main character herself not truly knowing the extent of her own magic, or if it just wasn't fully conceptualized. Genuinely kept getting confused on what her magic truly was throughout the story.

Despite these issues, I still enjoyed this book quite a bit and would recommend you giving it a read! I will definitely be picking a sequel if this is a series.

This was an immersive, lush new romantasy—the tension, yearning, and heat between the leads was impeccable, and I felt so immersed in the world. Cannot wait for more from Rapier!!

beautiful world. lyrical writing. tension filled main characters with so much depth and wit. i loved the quest and the world building was so flawless that you never felt lost. a beautiful world to escape into that felt one-of-a-kind with delicious romance between two very likeable characters.

You had me at our FMC escaped an arranged marriage by entering a marriage of convenience with a pirate 🫢😜 loved the story, characters, and adventure. One of my favorite books of this month. I will never not recommend this book.

3.5 stars!
3 open door scenes, innuendo, and some swear words.

The main thing I loved about this book was the vibes. The pirates, the setting, the found family, the magic, the adventure.... were all really fun to read about. The pacing of the plot was also really great. There's constantly things happening so you are never bored! The pacing was really well done. The world is different and interesting and I liked the side characters!

However, I found Saoirse to be SO inconsistent as a character, which made her really frustrating to follow her at times. She would say one thing, and then 10 seconds later do the opposite. Or make a decision, and then immediately go back on it and it got a bit annoying. Because of this I didn't feel the most connected to her or her character development, even though I wanted to because I can see where the author was going with it!! But it just didn't hit. Also, because of her inconsistency I found it hard to connect to and root for the romance. It had a big impact on their dynamic. So while I actually really liked Foalon and they do have some sweet moments, I didn't feel super invested by the end.

The author's writing also definitely has some lyrical/prose like quality to it that I did enjoy at certain points. This book gives me similar vibes to a lot of popular fantasy romance novels out there today so I can see it being very well loved by others.

3.5 stars and rounding to 4 because I enjoyed the book and hope to see more from this world. It defies like an unfinished story!
I wish there was more world building. I want background and history, I want location descriptions!

Our FMC is meek, she’s lived a hard life, she very much has trouble with public speaking and standing up for herself.
If you’re expecting her to be Violet? Aelin? To be a warrior after training for less than a year and able to beat up men twice her size, 7 feet tall, who have been training since childhood… wellllll that delusion doesn’t take place in this book 😂

Our MMC, is the definition of a rakish pirate. He’s funny, flirty and slutty. Very seldom serious and you never know if he’s telling the truth. The problem with him is, he is a flip flopper with our FMC. He says one thing, does another, tells her one truth, then tells her a lie. She can’t, won’t trust him. And now both of their lives are on the line!

I usually read 1-2 books a day and this book took me 4 days, I felt like I needed to take it super super slow and even reading at a snail pace, I still feel like there was parts of the plot I missed. There were definitely points I wish were explained more

I liked the romance but it’s also kinda felt weird because do they even like each other or are they just together?
I wanted more longing, more stolen looks, more passion, just more. It felt like their story isn’t done at all.

The whole situation with her brothers made zero sense to me. All the situations with them, they seemed so left field. So I just kinda had to let it slide 😂

Like a sirens call, ‘Soulgazer’ beckons you forward as Saoirse, a young woman cursed with eyes that shift in color and visions of impending doom, is hidden away by her cruel father until she can be sold to a neighboring kingdom. But when the legendary pirate, Wolf Faolan, arrives at port, Saoirse seizes the chance to break free from her chains and unravel the truth behind the curse that haunts her.

There’s something so much fun about a well-crafted story set on the open water, and this book absolutely delivers. When done right, you can almost taste the salt in the air as the story sweeps you away—and this one does just that. With each page, the promise of adventure is palpable, and the blossoming romance between Saoirse and Faolan crashes over you like waves in a storm, sweeping you into their world of passion, power, and peril.

Saoirse and Faolan are compelling characters in their own right, each driven by their own desires and burdens. Saoirse longs for acceptance, seeking love and validation she was denied in her childhood, while Faolan is determined to cement his legacy, no matter the cost. Their partnership begins as a gentleman’s agreement, but the evolution of their relationship is one of the book's highlights. The respect they share feels genuine, evolving naturally as they each learn to navigate uncharted waters—both literally and emotionally. The slow burn of their dynamic is the heart of the story, and watching their trust and connection grow was nothing short of satisfying.

While the plot itself is engaging, it’s the characters and their motivations that truly shine. Some of the world-building, particularly surrounding the soul stones and the gods, felt a bit complex, and I found myself lost in the intricacies at times though not enough to take my out of the story as a whole. This world has so much potential, and given the twists at the end, it’s clear that there’s more to uncover.

This is the perfect book for anyone seeking a thrilling, character-driven story with adventure on the high seas, romance, and a touch of magic. It’s a perfect summer read, and I can’t wait for you all to dive in and experience the adventure for yourselves.

**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**

I am screaming with how much I loved this. I admit, I clicked on it because the cover was so beautiful. I was not expecting the story to be nearly as good as it was! It felt catered to my trope tastes, which is so fun. I loved the Male Main Character, which come on! He's a pirate! The FMC is spunky in all the right ways and their story together fit nicely.

Soulgazer was the adventure of a lifetime. Written in beautiful prose and capturing the collision between two very different characters fated to cross paths and finding love in an undeniable way. The slow burn romance was exquisite, and I loved every single character, especially Saoirse and Faolan. You will love this if you're a fan of Pirates of the Caribbean. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me access to this story in exchange for an honest review, I can't wait to get a physical copy of this book.

This was such an engrossing read - I really enjoyed the plot, and the story. The writing style was fabulous and I am dying to get my hands on whatever Rapier writes next!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this one early!

Spoiler free review:
This entire book felt like listening to an Enya type song and I LOVED IT! I was swept away with the Gaelic phrases and vibes of the entire book, thanks to the lyrical writing style of the author. It was descriptive and beautifully written, giving the reader a real sense of who Saoirse was, what she was going through, and her journey through magic with the Wolf, Faolan. Faolan had wonderfully witty dialogue and a true depth of character that continued to evolve through the story. His sharp whit was hilarious and I was actually laughing out loud at various points reading his quips with Saoirse and the crew. Absolutely adored all the nicknames flying back and forth between them so much, they truly were adorable. The side characters did not feel like an afterthought, which really just rounded out the whole book. I felt myself not wanting to put this book down because the vibes and banter were just THAT GOOD.

The book felt like it had a complete arc with a satisfying conclusion, but I’m hopeful that the story continues on with another addition. I don’t feel ready to leave this world yet, so I’m hoping a side character can be explored in further work! Perhaps Aidan?

Thank you NetGalley and Berkeley publishing group for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Spectacular! A mesmerizing, soul-stirring masterpiece that captivated me from the very first page. The world-building is exceptional, blending elements of fantasy and reality into a universe that feels both vibrant and hauntingly beautiful. The protagonist is a truly unique character, whose emotional depth and growth resonate throughout the story. The way Rapier explores themes of connection, destiny, and inner strength is nothing short of brilliant, and I found myself completely engrossed in every twist and turn. The pacing is perfect, keeping me hooked while revealing new layers of mystery and intrigue. Soulgazer is a book that not only transports you to another world but also makes you reflect on your own. With unforgettable characters, a gripping plot, and an emotional depth that lingers, this is a novel that will stay with you long after the final page. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking for an unforgettable, thought-provoking read.my top read this year!

A cursed lonely girl escapes an arranged marriage to a horrid king by entering into a marriage of convenience with a rakish pirate and heading off to the high seas on a quest to find a missing island.

This what I mean when I say I want to read a romantasy!

The perfect blend of romantic and non-romantic plot, high stakes, high tension, and a swoony love interest!

What’s to love…
- epic romance
- sweet sweet tension
- adventure & action-packed
- lyrical prose and beautiful writing that transports you without being bogged down by pointless descriptions!
- found family
- world building that felt natural (NO info dumping)
- A QUEST!!!!!!! (my favorite!)
- a really cool world!
- This was easy to binge and didn’t feel like (nearly) 500 pages at all!

What I didn’t love…
- There were a few times where the lyrical prose got away from itself and muddled the narrative - but it was minimal and easily managed!
- The last 25% felt a little tight/rushed - I would have gladly read another 20-40 pages and had this section stretched out a bit more!

🌶️ - Ch - 24, 28, 50. This is an adult book, although I would say that the sexy scenes are mild enough for teens. They are what I call “peeked door” - the sex is happening, you’re in the room but it’s ambiguous at best. I actually quite enjoy this type of spice because it can still feel very sexy but without the overtly explicit language.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

3.5 stars!
3 open door scenes, innuendo, and some swear words.

The main thing I loved about this book was the vibes. The pirates, the setting, the found family, the magic, the adventure.... were all really fun to read about. The pacing of the plot was also really great. There's constantly things happening so you are never bored! The pacing was really well done. The world is different and interesting and I liked the side characters!

However, I found Saoirse to be SO inconsistent as a character, which made her really frustrating to follow her at times. She would say one thing, and then 10 seconds later do the opposite. Or make a decision, and then immediately go back on it and it got a bit annoying. Because of this I didn't feel the most connected to her or her character development, even though I wanted to because I can see where the author was going with it!! But it just didn't hit. Also, because of her inconsistency I found it hard to connect to and root for the romance. It had a big impact on their dynamic. So while I actually really liked Foalon and they do have some sweet moments, I didn't feel super invested by the end.

The author's writing also definitely has some lyrical/prose like quality to it that I did enjoy at certain points. This book gives me similar vibes to a lot of popular fantasy romance novels out there today so I can see it being very well loved by others.

Wow this blew me away! Lyrical magic and enchanting storytelling!

This story of pirates and soul magic and the tension between these two characters made for an enamoring dynamic. Saoirse meets the legend that is the wolf of the wild, and finds he is her only escape from her father and future husband. When she discovers he needs her help just as much, they leave on a journey to help him find a secret island.

The yearning in this book is felt do clearly between these characters in this marriage of convenience type romantic story. I loved the writing, it was so lovely and magical in its own way, I did find some of the magical elements confusing only at the start but quickly picked it up as the story developed.

This read so quickly and felt unique in all its own ways, I cannot wait to read more from this author.

Thank you ace books and Berkley for the arc!