Erryn reviews ‘All Souls Near and Nigh (Soulbound Book #2)’ by Hailey Turner. The audiobook, narrated by Gary Furlong was released July 3, 2019, and is 9 hrs and 51 mins. The ebook was published March 19, 2019, 364 pages.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Why I read this: I loved book one and wanted more of Patrick and Jono.
You can’t bargain with death if you’ve already sold your soul.
Special agent Patrick Collins has been reassigned by the supernatural operations agency to New York City. Navigating his new relationship with Jonothon de Vere, the werewolf he’s now soulbound to, is nothing compared to dealing with territorial disputes between the vampires and werecreatures who call the five boroughs home. But the delicate treaties that have kept the preternatural world in check are fraying at the edges, and the fallout is spilling into the mundane world.
Manhattan’s club scene is overrun with the vampire drug known as shine and the subways have become a dumping ground for bodies. When the dead are revealed as missing werecreatures, Patrick and Jono find themselves entangled in pack politics twisted by vampire machinations.
Learning to trust each other comes with problems for both of them, and the gods with a stake in Patrick’s soul debt aren’t finished with him yet. Bound by promises they can’t break, Patrick and Jono must find a way to survive a threat that takes no prisoners and is stalking them relentlessly through the city streets.
Old and new betrayals are coming home to roost but the truth – buried in blood – is more poisonous than the lies being spun. Trying to outrun death is a nightmare – one Patrick may never wake up from.
All Souls Near & Nigh is a 104,000 word m/m urban fantasy with a gay romantic subplot and a HFN ending. It is a direct sequel to A Ferry of Bones & Gold, and listening to the first book in the series would be helpful in enjoying this one. Please see the disclaimer at the beginning of the book for content some listeners may find triggering.
Buy links: Audible | Amazon | Goodreads
My review:
I loved A Ferry of Bones & Gold and so was super excited when this book came out. I tucked it away and only when the third book was released did I decide it was the right time to listen to it. I’ll start out by saying this book is as violent as the first one (I mean an all-out war with the Gods in Central Park isn’t likely to avoid bloodshed, right?) That being said, I would say this book is more graphic, the descriptions more vivid. The content more disturbing. Did it lessen my enjoyment? No. But I also feel it’s important to get that issue out there.
So, on with the story. Patrick Collins is back. He’s a mage agent for the supernatural operations and his job is to try to keep all the paranormal creatures in line. Keep them out of trouble. Keep the human mundane inhabitants of New York City safe. In the last book he was soulbound to Jono, Jono is a werewolf who offered himself up as sacrifice to save Patrick’s life. He also has the God virus. Although not deadly, it does set him apart. He’s been packless since coming to New York, even though he could be a great leader.
Various factions of the supernatural are at odds, including vampires and werecreatures. Patrick gets dragged into the middle of it all. During the 30-day war he killed the Mother of all Vampires and that death is coming back to haunt him. He may no longer be in the army, but he’s still law enforcement. As a mage he has some magic but there are also limits. When he pairs up with Jono he’s able to do much more. The problem? He’s not used to having a partner he’s accountable to. Jono makes it clear the solo routine is no longer acceptable.
When Patrick and Jono rescue a young werecreature named Wade, they get far more than they bargained for. They take on not just a surly teen, but a young man who is not as he appears. Wade is a source of comic relief. Anyone who’s been responsible for feeding a male teenager can appreciate the humor. The funny bits fit well with the serious story. Drugs, destruction, fights to the death, and other horrible things are happening. Add in some Aztec Gods and Patrick has his hands full.
I want to mention Gary Furlong. He’s a favorite narrator of mine and I love how he performs this series. His American accent works well and his Brit for Jono is brilliant. Another great adventure with more to come.
My rating:
9/10 Pots of Gold (90% Recommended) – Compares to 4.5/5 Stars
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