What a fabulous debut! I absolutely love the pirate vibes and it was so adventurous! I have been in a bit of a book slump and this totally cured that as it was quite action packed!

I was a bit confused by the magic system and world building at times but it really did come together just give it a bit in the beginning promise it gets so great!

The writing is beautiful without being too poetic that it would make it difficult to read but it really transports you to the world very vividly!

I really loved the FMC, Saoirse, she was a bit softer than FMC characters I am usually drawn too but I really loved her journey and the slow burn romance is so well done (Faolan you attractive pirate man you 🔥)!
Overall totally recommend this especially if you’re a fan of pirate and adventure vibes!

Thank you Berkley Pub for the gifted physical copy as well!

Beautiful, yet confusing. This writing is, as I saw another reviewer say, a “beautiful word salad” that made it hard to understand what was happening. Because of this, the world building was lacking, and I felt like I was left afloat to eventually figure out what was going on. Along with that, I didn’t like the FMC. I found myself rolling my eyes often at her behavior and the romance. HOWEVER, I did find this unique and, even though I struggled to pick up this story at times, I was pretty sat while in it. The writing really was gorgeous and the author’s note at the end made me appreciate this book and provide a slightly higher rating.

Thank you, NetGalley and Penguin Random House Publishing for the ARC!

3.75⭐ - I'll never get over how STUNNING this cover is!

✨ "But there's a goddess of fate who set this all up nice and tidy, and she's a real bitch." ✨

This book was so fascinating and truly captivating!!! The worldbuilding was lush, and it bled into the plotline beautifully. It was paced well and action packed, but sometimes a little too poetic, interrupting the flow at times, but the story was amazing.

I must admit, even though Faolan wore a tail to further push his nickname of the legendary "Wolf of the Wild", I really liked him. He was a hot, egotistical and conniving flirty pirate that had a soft spot for Saoirse aka Ocean Eyes from the beginning. Though their insta-connection (mostly openly on her part) was off-putting, I enjoyed their relationship and his patience with her because I could neverrrr. I didn't hate her, but her naivety and overall density was unbearable at times. I know it was because of her sheltered and traumatic upbringing, but it became too much and lingered for far too long, especially as her knowledge grew throughout the story. Shout out to Faolan for being a rock in the storm!

✨“The Wolf of the Wild. I want the legend who haunted my dreams as a girl, and the man who haunts my days as a woman. It’s unfair, the way he’s tattooed himself on my heart so it sings just one name, over and over again."✨

Overall, I did enjoy this, and I am curious to see where the story goes since it's planned to be a duology. I have the slightest inkling as to what could be the next book's problem, but not enough to make an assumption. I need to know how this story ends! Just like Faolan said, ✨"Legends may not die, but stories always end."✨

Soulgazer is a romantasy with an Irish mythology twist. She escapes an arranged marriage to find a hero of lore to help control her magic! It’s lush and intriguing! It was a little slow at times, but overall, it was different from the million other romantasy books out now.

First, thank you to the publisher for early access. I was drawn to this book because of this highly dramatic cover. There are definitely aspects of this book that made me very frustrated but the note at the end (in the reader discussion section) about how the author's life experience influenced the writing helped place everything for me. Super excited for the next book and whatever else is forthcoming from this author.

This took me forever to get to, for some reason, but once I was in, I flew through this book!! I loved the main character, she was unique and 'special' but not in an annoying way. I really identified with her struggles.

The romance was also very steamy. Finally, I loved the world building, although the magic system was a touch too vague for me.

Honestly, the only thing that annoyed me was the swearing - they constantly say 'feck' or 'feckin' and I found it incredibly cringe!!!!

First of all, lets talk about how completely eye catching and beautiful this cover is! The character art is stunning and I really can't wait to see what the sequels cover is like. This book took ahold of me and didn't let go until the very last page. I loved the relationship between Saoirse and Faolan, and how soft, gentle and protective he was of her. I'm also a big sucker for the push and pull dynamics they had due to believing that the other one wasn't interested in them.

I really enjoyed the growth Saoirse had within herself and with how she faced the trauma she had endured. It's nice to see a FMC that is meek and gentle due to their trauma, not become hard and cold in their growth. I also really loved how broken Faolan is underneath all his showmanship.

I just loved this book sooooo much, that I even already started recommending it in the r/romancebooks subreddit ❤️

4.25/5 stars

As a child Saoirse was cursed with terrible magic and her father wants to be rid of her, so he promises her in marriage to the Stone King, one of the other rulers of the isles, in an alliance and bid for more power. But Saoirse wants no part in this union, so she runs away to the Wolf of the Wild, a legendary pirate who just so happens to be looking for a woman who fits her description. They come up with a deal, a marriage of convenience, to help protect her and break her curse, while also helping him find the lost mythical isle of lost souls that only she can find.

This book was just such a fun time and the cover of it is GORGEOUS. Everything about this book was just enchanting. The plot was high energy and the magic system was so intriguing! It was so easy to devour as the pace just kept on going. There was a lot of political intrigue between the different islands and their rulers as well. I am a big fan of fantasies with politics involved, so this one hit the spot of exciting adventure times mixed with political machinations.

Saoirse and Faolan were DELICIOUS. The banter between them was so good and I love how they had that spark immediately, even though they still bickered and fought their feelings for so long.
There was also such a solid supporting cast with this book! I loved the found family elements with all the pirates and how heavily they were involved in the plot. I always love when a book has well developed side characters!

I cannot wait for the next book! It ended so well in wrapping up the current book but leaving us begging for more!

I did this one on audio and honestly it was so amazing. Alana Kerr Collins voiced Saoirse and she was phenomenal. I loved her accent and listening to this while following along with my print copy was such an immersive experience. Eric Nolan had a small part at the end for Faolan and I was FERAL for it. I really hope we get more of his POV in book two so we can have more of Eric reading! Such a good audiobook!

I understand that to an extent, when reading books that take place in an other world setting with magic and its own mythical lore in play, it will take time until it is fully understood exactly what is going on in the story and until all of the pieces start to connect. But when it comes to Soulgazer there were just so many little parts that did not make sense.

Our female lead is attempting to escape her impending betrothal and instead flees to board the ship of a pirate who she has agreed to use her (very dark and very mysterious) death magic to find the hidden Isle.
I think Maggie did an excellent job with her writing, almost lyrical in the way she describes the setting and some of the history. In general the imagery was quite nice and I was hooked in the very beginning.

However, it did little to answer any of my questions.

1) what's so bad about this king that she didn't want to marry him?
2) why did she think marrying some random pirate would be a better idea???
3) what is the actual significance of this mysterious isle?????? The more I read the more confused I got.


I would consider to read more by this author as she gains more experience writing, but from where it stands right now, I just feel like a big dumb dumb.

Here's the thing. I know I have to say something about this book. I know I do. But what is there to say except GIVE ME MORE.

Maggie writes in a snippet at the very end: "this was for the soft girls." And we all love a soft girl. Truly. There's beauty in let's kick a$$ and take names female leads especially after being the "chosen one" but there's something beautiful and unique about a lost girl, who wants to be loved, who's choices were made out of love and for love, and who never was hardened. Who's tenderness and gentleness are the forefront of who saoirse is.


There's pirates and a sense of debauchery. But it's closed door debauchery???? No. Maggie grasps the MAGIC of the story. The emotions. The beautiful prose swallows you just as much as the story. I found myself wanting to tell the world to leave me alone so I could escape into Maggie's. It's barely out and I'm already needy for book 2.

And yes it's a romance but it's a show to Maggie's own brand of magic that it's so much more than that too. And also. It's a debut. Mind. Blown. I love it.

Read if you like:

Romantasy
Forced proximity
Slow burn romance
Marriage of convenience
Pirates
Celtic mythology
Magic

My thoughts:

Not enough people are talking about this masterpiece. Soulgazer, Maggie Rapier’s debut novel, is everything you could want in a romantasy. It’s got pirates, magic, and a Celtic-inspired setting, not to mention the romantic tension and yearning of a slow burn romance. This book is utterly perfect.

Maggie Rapier’s lyrical writing style sucks you in and does not let you go. It’s lush and descriptive, painting a flawless picture of the cast of misfit pirates and their world of lost Gods and terrifying magic. While there were times I felt that the writing style was a little wordy, I couldn’t help but love it.

The writing is lovely but it’s the characters that truly make this a five-star read. Saoirse is extremely sheltered but she dreams of freedom, to see the world and find the place she belongs. Faolan and his crew of colorful pirates provide her with the chance to escape the life laid out before her and choose what her future holds. Faolan and the crew may be brash and rude at times but they never hide their true selves and together, they form a rather odd but endearing family. They don’t always trust Saoirse but they embrace her and help her grow.

Saoirse may live in a world of magic and wonder but she’s one of the most relatable characters I’ve read in a long time. Her story is heartbreaking at times but she perseveres, no matter how much she wants to give up. She shows that there is strength in everyone, no matter how weak they may seem.

Faolan is the opposite of Saoirse in so many ways. He’s bold and brash and seems totally fearless. He’s cocky and quick witted. All his flashy mannerisms hide what’s underneath. I won’t lie, I loved the bold Faolan but the vulnerable, sensitive side that Saoirse brought out may have been even better.

The plot was intriguing, if a little slow-paced. The beginning of the book was more world-building than anything else and it didn’t feel like the actual plot came into play until later. I was hoping for something a bit faster paced but this was still a quick read that kept me hooked.

Overall, Soulgazer is a beautifully written story full of characters that you won’t quickly forget. The story wraps up nicely while still setting things up for the second book in the duology. I can’t wait to return to this world and these characters and see what’s next for them!

TL;DR

Pirates, magic, and a search for a lost island of the gods? Slow burn romance, banter, and a bit of a golden retriever MMC? I feel like Maggie Rapier took all my favorite things and combined them to make the perfect book. Soulgazer features a unique story with fascinating characters and gorgeous writing. It’s a slow burn romance with great tension and wonderful banter. I loved it and can’t wait for book two.

Wow! I received this book on NetGalley and just go around to it and it is the perfect Summer Romance book. There’s Scottish dialogue, magic, found family, a soft FMC looking for herself, a hot red headed pirate! The pacing was quick and great! I was never bored when I was reading it. Saoirse is one my favorite names ever, and the FMC is soft and has constant thoughts of negativity, always doubting herself, she is set to wed a king set by her cruel father until she meets the legend the wolf and decides to try to change her fate. There is negative self talk, found family, the romance and yearning was chef’s kiss!

Soulgazer by Maggie Rapier was such a fun and entertaining read. A perfect blend of romance and fantasy. There is plot, there is romance and one didn't overtake the other, which I really appreciated. I found that the pacing worked well and the writing was well done. Overall, a very fun and swoony read. I cannot wait to read more from Maggie Rapier!

I featured Soulgazer in my July 2025 new releases video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5JWYTfUVq4, and though I have not read it yet, I am so excited to and expect 5 stars! I will update here when I post a follow up review or vlog.

when i came across this on netgalley, i was intrigued by pirates and marriage of convenience and i’m so glad i requested it! i enjoyed this so much! my heart broke so many times for the main characters and i wanted to hug them so bad!

initially when i started the book, i had no idea what was going on if im being honest. once i was able to put pieces together, i was swept away in the story. i was so invested in their adventure of them finding the isle of lost souls.

my heart hurts for saoirse. she’s been locked away, treated like nothing that she convinced herself she was nothing, and was being forced into a marriage to forge an alliance with a horrible man. i’m so glad faolan came along and that she was able to leave the situation she was in. while she is lonely and a bit guarded, she is also very determined. she’s on a journey of not only trying to trust other people, but also learning to trust herself and the power she has. i just love her so much and want her to be happy and free.

i love faolan so much, my broody pirate. he was so protective of saoirse and he took good care of her. while they married for other reasons, he treated their marriage with the utmost respect. everytime he said “my wife” i was kicking my feet and swooning. while saoirse is soft, faolan is her playful counterpart. he was just so hot and unreal, im obsessed with him.

the found family in this was everything! found family is a trope that always has me. it took a while for the crew to trust saoirse, but when they did it finally felt like she could belong somewhere. they treated her as their own. it made me feel so happy for her being with the crew and finally belonging.

aidan, im going to really need you to open your eyes for the next one!

i’m so ready for book 2!! im sat and ready for it! i need to know what happens and i just want saoirse and faolan to be happy! and i definitely need more pirate books immediately!

thank you berkeley publishing and netgalley for the arc!

I’ll be honest - I had a hard time getting invested and feeling connection to the characters. I would have liked more world building and deeper character development. I felt so detached and confused throughout this one.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I gave this book its chance, I barely made it to the halfway point of it before I could take no more and stopped reading it, in hopes that I’d pick it up again but I just wasn’t interested in the turning points that the story took. I felt as though it was just so long and boring. And I’m saying this because I loved the idea of the plot but it just dragged for me!

Lush writing, atmospheric setting, sexy as hell. I can never get enough of pirate books so honestly this was made for me.

Maggie Rapier's Soulgazer is the first installment in the author's The Magpie and The Wolf duology. This is the author's romantasy debut with Celtic vibes. With the vibes of a darker, adult Sinbad, this book features sexy pirates, a swashbuckling ocean adventure, and thrilling magic, paired with an aching, & swoony marriage-of-convenience romance. With a heroine in her early twenties grappling with her coming-of-age as she finally takes her fate into her own hands and a slow-burning romance, new adult readers will flock to this angst-filled romantic fantasy.

The story follows Saoirse, a young woman cursed from childhood with volatile magic tied to a soulstone, which allows her to see the souls of the dead and, in some cases, kill with a touch. This power has defined her life, isolating her from others due to her father’s cruel suppression and the fear it inspires. Blamed for her brother’s death and kept hidden in a remote cottage, Saoirse lives in constant terror that her magic will break free. When it does, the consequences are catastrophic, leading her parents to betroth her to the ruthless Stone King, who plans to bind her magic permanently. Desperate to escape this fate, Saoirse seeks out Faolan, the legendary Wolf of the Wild—a charismatic, silver-tongued pirate with a reputation as big as the seas he sails.

Faolan offers to help Saoirse break her curse, but only if she uses her magic to locate the mythical Isle of Lost Souls, a fabled land crafted by slaughtered gods that could absorb her power and save their world. Wary of trusting a pirate, Saoirse adds a condition: if Faolan wants her on his ship, he must marry her first. What follows is a high-stakes quest filled with danger, ancient prophecies, and a growing bond between two people who challenge each other to confront their pasts and embrace their true selves. As they navigate treacherous seas, vengeful pursuers, and the mysteries of their world’s gods, Saoirse and Faolan discover that their journey is about more than breaking a curse—it’s about finding freedom, identity, and love.

The Celtic-inspired backdrop, with its six islands tied to dead gods and the mysterious seventh Isle of Lost Souls, is a standout feature. The magic system, centered around soulstones and Saoirse’s ability to see and interact with souls, is unique and intricately tied to the world’s mythology. The concept of a lost isle that can absorb Saoirse’s power and release trapped souls adds a layer of stakes that feels both personal and cosmic.

Saoirse is a compelling protagonist whose journey from a traumatized, self-loathing young woman to a figure embracing her power is both inspiring and nuanced. Her backstory of abuse, isolation, and manipulation by her father is heartbreaking, and Rapier handles her trauma with sensitivity, allowing Saoirse to grieve and grow without resorting to clichés of rage or rebellion.

Faolan, the rakish pirate, is equally captivating. His larger-than-life persona, reminiscent of a young Jack Sparrow, is tempered by moments of vulnerability that reveal the man behind the legend. His banter with Saoirse and his crew is witty and sharp, adding levity to the story, while his respect for Saoirse’s boundaries deepens their relationship. The supporting cast, particularly Faolan’s crew, adds warmth and humor, embodying the “found family” trope that fans of romantasy will adore.

This book is perfect for fans of Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young and The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi.

The prose is very lyrical and atmospheric. Plot-wise, the book moves at a pretty steady pace. It slowly gives us bits and pieces of a much larger puzzle. I liked this book for the most part, but admittedly, I wasn't fully invested in the romance, which is why, for a romantasy book, I can only give it three stars. However, I am hopeful that the sequel will up the ante in terms of romance and angst. So I will be back to check out the sequel.