Title: Wayward Soul
Author: Kim Bowman
Publisher: Astraea Press
Released: February 2011
Words: 16,701 (approximate)
My Copy: Book Lovin’ Bitches eBook Tours
When Zanna Seoul accidentally causes the death of a fellow spirit guide’s charge while trying to save the life of the man she loves, she is stripped of her position and banished to Earth to die. In the spirit world, one doesn’t mess with what’s written.
With Zanna no longer guiding him and his memory of her erased, Owen Nash is left wide open as the target of the vengeful spirit guide who feels he’s been wronged. A guide who also happens to be a werewolf. Once on Earth, Zanna refuses to stand by and watch Owen die, so she intervenes again, setting off a chain of events that could mean death for all of them if she doesn’t go back and undo the mess she’s made. Can Zanna succeed before the werewolf does?
This novella covers a lot of ground considering that it’s only a few pages shy of 60. I found the first chapter or so to be a little confusing when the author is explaining spirit guides, sentinels and guardians. Too much information is crammed into too few pages for me to have been able to properly grasp the world that Kim Bowman was trying to create. However, after I pushed through the introduction the story took a turn for the better. The rest of this novella is fast-paced, the main characters are alluring and the plot is full of surprises.
Zanna and Owen’s love story is the main element of this novella and I immediately took a liking to them. No matter what obstacle gets thrown at the couple, including memory loss, they work together to rise above it. The storyline flip-flops constantly between the couple living happily ever after to being separated by death or tragedy. Just when I thought that I had the outcome figured out Kim would pull a 180 and head in another direction entirely. As a result, I was left sitting at the edge of my seat for the majority of this tale.
Wayward Soul is a gripping read considering its length but I think that it would have benefited from being longer. The romantic element is well-done but the world building at the beginning is rushed and left me feeling slightly lost. This novella is a quick, easy read if you’re looking for an hour long adrenaline rush.
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About the Blogger
I review Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance books with a focus all things werewolf. Based out of Ottawa, Canada
Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
Thank you so much for the kind words! I hear you loud and clear and I’m making the sequel a full length novel, explaining and describing Zanna’s world and spirit guides in detail! You’re awesome:)
BTW – Wayward Soul is Available this week for 1/2 price at the publisher http://astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662249&mode=product&product=2626136
I love Kim’s inventiveness and her ability to keep a fast pace! Highly recommend this read, myself.
Great review! Loved the storyline.
Well done!
You guys are all so sweet. Thank you for stopping by:)
I loved this short novella, I am eager to learn more about Zanna’s world.