What do you think?
Rate this book
The Soulkind Awakening: Book 1
After lying dormant for a thousand years, the Soulkind awaken. Many step forward to claim their magic, but childhood dreams quickly fade under the harsh reality of its return. Who will wield the Soulkind and who must watch helplessly as magic lies forever out of reach? Who will their power corrupt? What unforeseen dangers will they bring? Jace and his friends stumble through these questions as they try to find their way in a world where the Soulkind Awakening changes everything they know.
- GenresFantasy
252 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2013
4 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 2, 2021
This is one of the best fantasy stories I've read in a while. I loved every second of this book and look forward to reading the next in the series. In a world where magic is faded, an awakening has begun. People, touched by this awakening, must decide whether they will fight for good or with the evil that is growing across the land. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a good fantasy and being swept off to a distant world.
"I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
"I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
August 4, 2021
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I know there are many ways to do magic that many people have thought of. This book a refreshing new tale on how to do magic. But it also shows the pitfalls of an imperfect system. Its a well thought out story. I truly enjoyed it.
I know there are many ways to do magic that many people have thought of. This book a refreshing new tale on how to do magic. But it also shows the pitfalls of an imperfect system. Its a well thought out story. I truly enjoyed it.
October 23, 2019
The Soulkind Awakening was truly a masterful tale for fantasy lovers. It had suspense, character development, sorrow, fear, joy and triumph. When reading it, I felt strong Lord of the Rings vibes. It started small with mystery and grew larger as the story commenced. The ending was abrupt with a cliffhangar, much like the LOTR movies. That was really how I viewed the book. A movie in my head! Jace was complex, as was his friends. Each one had their own motivations and arcs, clearly defined. There was some lingering mystery still left on some characters and certain plot points. This leaves you craving the next book.
There were a few grammar errors I came across, but it was minimal. Grammar though doesn't personally bother me though and never takes away from a story. The villain was the only character I took any issue with as there was not as much development as I would have hoped. The protagonists however were spot on. I am sure the villains will be handled with more detail in book 2.
The Soulkind Awakening is the first in a trilogy. I highly recommend this novel and look forward to book two: The Shadow of the Soulkind. Fantastic job Steve!
There were a few grammar errors I came across, but it was minimal. Grammar though doesn't personally bother me though and never takes away from a story. The villain was the only character I took any issue with as there was not as much development as I would have hoped. The protagonists however were spot on. I am sure the villains will be handled with more detail in book 2.
The Soulkind Awakening is the first in a trilogy. I highly recommend this novel and look forward to book two: The Shadow of the Soulkind. Fantastic job Steve!
July 21, 2022
Author Steve Davala builds a world and characters that captivate the listener. The story is suitable for YA and old who enjoy magical fantasy.
The characteristics of greed, control, and corruption fill this epic YA fantasy. Magic, once prevalent in this world, disappeared. Finding the powers, then discovering why wizardry vanished and who holds control makes this story fascinating. Story evolution contains non-stop action and adventure that builds on top of a rich foundation of a thousand years of missing magic that unexpectedly returns.
Sage characters like Turic share experiences and knowledge with young learners, including Jace, Straeten, Cathlyn, and Karanne. Each character portrays realistic interactions and unique viewpoints necessary to move the journey forward. I related to Jace's relationships with animals. His care for creatures helps him to grow and learn to forgive himself.
The Soulkind Awakening epic fantasy exposes secrets hidden for hundreds of years. Cruel creatures, magical castles, and surprising heroes exist. The secrets of the magic and who holds the keys create unexpected twists and turns. Emotions run high in this story as all senses get leveraged in the ongoing story.
The tempo at the beginning of the narration by Daniel Susco is a bit slow but matches the opening segments of the story. The voices and narration become one with the action as the story evolves. Character voices are distinctive and maintained. There were no issues with the quality of the audiobook.
I recommend this story to readers of fantasy and magic. It is the first book in the series, and I look forward to listening to the subsequent volumes. Great series start.
The characteristics of greed, control, and corruption fill this epic YA fantasy. Magic, once prevalent in this world, disappeared. Finding the powers, then discovering why wizardry vanished and who holds control makes this story fascinating. Story evolution contains non-stop action and adventure that builds on top of a rich foundation of a thousand years of missing magic that unexpectedly returns.
Sage characters like Turic share experiences and knowledge with young learners, including Jace, Straeten, Cathlyn, and Karanne. Each character portrays realistic interactions and unique viewpoints necessary to move the journey forward. I related to Jace's relationships with animals. His care for creatures helps him to grow and learn to forgive himself.
The Soulkind Awakening epic fantasy exposes secrets hidden for hundreds of years. Cruel creatures, magical castles, and surprising heroes exist. The secrets of the magic and who holds the keys create unexpected twists and turns. Emotions run high in this story as all senses get leveraged in the ongoing story.
The tempo at the beginning of the narration by Daniel Susco is a bit slow but matches the opening segments of the story. The voices and narration become one with the action as the story evolves. Character voices are distinctive and maintained. There were no issues with the quality of the audiobook.
I recommend this story to readers of fantasy and magic. It is the first book in the series, and I look forward to listening to the subsequent volumes. Great series start.
October 3, 2019
This was such a solid and fun read. Steve was able to build a world that I could easily become part of and I really appreciate that.
.
Jace and his friends are thrust into danger when magic returns to the land. They encounter unknown, deadly creatures and all magic becomes more real for them than they could have expected.
.
Jace's younger life as a thief is was woven into the whole story by progressing the mystery of the soulkind and adding to his skills in being able to sneak through enemy territory. I wish his past was fleshed out a little more. I like what I learned and I feel that there was some blanks in his story that could have been filled in. Just more information to tell. Weaving his past into the present day is a great piece for me as it made this more than a blip of his past. It had meaning.
.
The memories from the pool, the soulkind, and how Jace's stones all interconnected later on was a great piece of the story. I was wondering about the stone from the pool from the beginning and how those memories or visions would play out in the long run and I wasn't disappointed.
.
I also appreciate that this story didn't have Jace become a follower at the beginning because he was the main character. Instead, Steve built up to Jace's abilities and brought different, seemingly not connected parts together and pieced it all together very well.
.
Jace and his friends are thrust into danger when magic returns to the land. They encounter unknown, deadly creatures and all magic becomes more real for them than they could have expected.
.
Jace's younger life as a thief is was woven into the whole story by progressing the mystery of the soulkind and adding to his skills in being able to sneak through enemy territory. I wish his past was fleshed out a little more. I like what I learned and I feel that there was some blanks in his story that could have been filled in. Just more information to tell. Weaving his past into the present day is a great piece for me as it made this more than a blip of his past. It had meaning.
.
The memories from the pool, the soulkind, and how Jace's stones all interconnected later on was a great piece of the story. I was wondering about the stone from the pool from the beginning and how those memories or visions would play out in the long run and I wasn't disappointed.
.
I also appreciate that this story didn't have Jace become a follower at the beginning because he was the main character. Instead, Steve built up to Jace's abilities and brought different, seemingly not connected parts together and pieced it all together very well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2021
"It’s too bad I can’t read everything in this book. Never went to ‘school’ like you did. Whatever good it did you.”
Jace smiled and shook his head. “Knew I missed this place for some reason.”"
The Soulkind Awakening by Steve Davala
3.75/5.0 The Soulkind Awakening is a fun if not light adventure involving a group of friends chasing their dreams to wield magic. The story by itself is nothing to get too excited for but at least I did find it entertaining. The pace was rocky in the beginning and I was looking for a hook for the longest time, but did find it there towards the middle. There was a particular plot devise used that I was not a big fan of but I feel that was more of a personal preference than actual objective criticism. The magic system was actually pretty good, and while the story leaves a lot to the imagination, I cant wait to learn more about it in future novels. The characters were good and I expect more depth to be revealed in the sequel. I did enjoyed Jace's memory technique and thought is was really interesting characteristic for him.
Overall it was a fun if not totally original fantasy read. While a little cliched here and there I still enjoyed my time going through here and will root for our band of heroes in the next adventure.
Jace smiled and shook his head. “Knew I missed this place for some reason.”"
The Soulkind Awakening by Steve Davala
3.75/5.0 The Soulkind Awakening is a fun if not light adventure involving a group of friends chasing their dreams to wield magic. The story by itself is nothing to get too excited for but at least I did find it entertaining. The pace was rocky in the beginning and I was looking for a hook for the longest time, but did find it there towards the middle. There was a particular plot devise used that I was not a big fan of but I feel that was more of a personal preference than actual objective criticism. The magic system was actually pretty good, and while the story leaves a lot to the imagination, I cant wait to learn more about it in future novels. The characters were good and I expect more depth to be revealed in the sequel. I did enjoyed Jace's memory technique and thought is was really interesting characteristic for him.
Overall it was a fun if not totally original fantasy read. While a little cliched here and there I still enjoyed my time going through here and will root for our band of heroes in the next adventure.
October 22, 2019
*I was given this book for free in exchange for my honest review*
What a phenomenal read. This book is definitely a page turner. The story follows the protagonist, Jace, and his friends as they test their magic abilities. Jace and his friend Straeten fail, and the others set off to the capital to learn more magic as part of the Followers. Jace and Straeten receive a message the Followers are in trouble from a dark threat long thought to be extinct. What ensues next is a test of bravery, secrecy and survival. As Jace seeks to rescue his friends and the Followers, he learns information of his past, discovers his calling first as a Seeker, and ultimately as a Master.
The characters are well described and the bond created between character and reader is a strong one. I can’t wait to get my hands on the second and third installment of the series.
What a phenomenal read. This book is definitely a page turner. The story follows the protagonist, Jace, and his friends as they test their magic abilities. Jace and his friend Straeten fail, and the others set off to the capital to learn more magic as part of the Followers. Jace and Straeten receive a message the Followers are in trouble from a dark threat long thought to be extinct. What ensues next is a test of bravery, secrecy and survival. As Jace seeks to rescue his friends and the Followers, he learns information of his past, discovers his calling first as a Seeker, and ultimately as a Master.
The characters are well described and the bond created between character and reader is a strong one. I can’t wait to get my hands on the second and third installment of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2020
Narration: Okay, if a bit bland.
This was a decent fantasy quest story, if fairly simple and predictable ... and clearly targeting young adults. The magic system was interesting, in that it relies on "followers" using magical Soulkind (with unpredictable results at times). The MC is a young dreamer named Jace, with his faithful dog and a bird? The characters are easy enough to like, but they didn't really connect with me (I guess that I was expecting something a little different here). More than that, I guess I really didn't find the plot conflict all that interesting; it wasn't bad, just somewhat mundane (or perhaps not presented in any compelling fashion).
This title is also currently available on Kindle Unlimited ...
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#feeaudiobookcodes #audiobookboom
This was a decent fantasy quest story, if fairly simple and predictable ... and clearly targeting young adults. The magic system was interesting, in that it relies on "followers" using magical Soulkind (with unpredictable results at times). The MC is a young dreamer named Jace, with his faithful dog and a bird? The characters are easy enough to like, but they didn't really connect with me (I guess that I was expecting something a little different here). More than that, I guess I really didn't find the plot conflict all that interesting; it wasn't bad, just somewhat mundane (or perhaps not presented in any compelling fashion).
This title is also currently available on Kindle Unlimited ...
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#feeaudiobookcodes #audiobookboom
September 30, 2021
Adventure like no other !!!
The hardest thing to do: Steve Davala the author have done easily, he makes me feel like l am walking with the characters in their adventure right from the beginning of the book ( and this is only the first out of three in the series ).
The funny thing is that I swore that I’m not touching this genre after books like Harry potter that was written on napkins making so much money that thousands even hundreds of thousands jealousy started writing hoping for the same luck without the talent which only a few had, so many wrote and copy from each other till all the books of this genre became way to similar !
But out of nowhere i got my hands on an awesome series which puts this genre to shame, all i want is to continue my adventure with the group all the way to the end.
Narration is perfectly done, Daniel Susco voice fits each character like she was born for it.
An amazing beginning for an excellent series which you never wants to end !
Totally,
Trust my recommendation
For this awesome creation !
Oded Ostfeld.
The hardest thing to do: Steve Davala the author have done easily, he makes me feel like l am walking with the characters in their adventure right from the beginning of the book ( and this is only the first out of three in the series ).
The funny thing is that I swore that I’m not touching this genre after books like Harry potter that was written on napkins making so much money that thousands even hundreds of thousands jealousy started writing hoping for the same luck without the talent which only a few had, so many wrote and copy from each other till all the books of this genre became way to similar !
But out of nowhere i got my hands on an awesome series which puts this genre to shame, all i want is to continue my adventure with the group all the way to the end.
Narration is perfectly done, Daniel Susco voice fits each character like she was born for it.
An amazing beginning for an excellent series which you never wants to end !
Totally,
Trust my recommendation
For this awesome creation !
Oded Ostfeld.
April 28, 2022
Good groundwork series novel 4.5🌟
Parents: acceptable for 14+ depending on maturity and tolerance to gore/violence
Language: none
Violence: murder, war, mutilation
Sexual content: none
This tale is endearing and keeps you thinking. Especially since there are many past and present scenes that are played out back and forth. Characters are well described and grow throughout this book. Internal struggles are well detailed and help you to sympathize or despise different people or situations. A worthwhile dive into a different realm of imaginative fantasy; I would recommend this book to anyone looking for something new and different!
Narrator: 4⭐ decent differentiations, good pacing, occasional background noise that’s distracting but not a huge inconvenience.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Parents: acceptable for 14+ depending on maturity and tolerance to gore/violence
Language: none
Violence: murder, war, mutilation
Sexual content: none
This tale is endearing and keeps you thinking. Especially since there are many past and present scenes that are played out back and forth. Characters are well described and grow throughout this book. Internal struggles are well detailed and help you to sympathize or despise different people or situations. A worthwhile dive into a different realm of imaginative fantasy; I would recommend this book to anyone looking for something new and different!
Narrator: 4⭐ decent differentiations, good pacing, occasional background noise that’s distracting but not a huge inconvenience.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
February 28, 2019
The Soulkind Awakening tells the story of Jace and his friends who have the wish to attend a Magic School in order to learn to use magic according to a Soulkind that selects its filters. As Jace fails the tests and he, add week as his friend Staten have to stay behind while the rest of his friends sets out to travel to the School, he gets a vision that makes it certain to him that they are in danger. And so, the two of them set out on an adventure in order to rescue them from peril.
This is a very well developed story with many twists and surprising turns, which mashes this a very fastpaced read. The characters are well described and it has been a very enjoyable read.
This is a very well developed story with many twists and surprising turns, which mashes this a very fastpaced read. The characters are well described and it has been a very enjoyable read.
November 27, 2021
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I like the way magic is introduced in this book, with characters that brims with very different personalities that makes them relatable and some, very likable. Their journey is also an interesting one, and I like how we get to see the story from different perspectives as the story progresses on. It was a good listen, will definitely revisit in the future.
Narration by Daniel Susco is perfect, he has a very good balance between voice acting for the characters and book narration, and it makes listening very enjoyable. The way he portrays the character's emotions are excellent as well.
I like the way magic is introduced in this book, with characters that brims with very different personalities that makes them relatable and some, very likable. Their journey is also an interesting one, and I like how we get to see the story from different perspectives as the story progresses on. It was a good listen, will definitely revisit in the future.
Narration by Daniel Susco is perfect, he has a very good balance between voice acting for the characters and book narration, and it makes listening very enjoyable. The way he portrays the character's emotions are excellent as well.
July 8, 2019
Took a while to get into the book as the pacing seemed to be very slow - but once I did it turned out to be a thoroughly exciting adventure/fantasy story. The main characters are likable and draw you in so you want to know (and care) what happens to them as the story progresses. The quality of writing is excellent. Despite the slow start the story finishes strong and leaves readers wanting more adventures with Jace and his companions. A must read for fantasy fans - also suitable for YA as well - keeping eyes peeled for sequels.
June 17, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book. It is really a fantasy with twists and surprises. At first the book was slow. But when i reached chapter 3, it became quite Interesting. I loved the characters and writing style. Jace is my favourite character. And I love the part where the soulkind was awakened. Everything about this book is fantastic. I would recommend this book to fantasy readers.
September 15, 2019
An awesome story of magic and the power of power! I can relate to a math teacher writing this, as I also teach math among other things - I love this story. I connected immediately and could not put this down! Highly recommend this!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 20, 2019
A fantastic read
Received a free copy in exchange of an honest review. The Soulkind Awakening is a fantastic book. The storyline grips you from the beginning, promising adventure, a bit of romance and magic. The characters are well written and compliment one another. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Received a free copy in exchange of an honest review. The Soulkind Awakening is a fantastic book. The storyline grips you from the beginning, promising adventure, a bit of romance and magic. The characters are well written and compliment one another. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
June 1, 2019
Audible:This was a really good book!Some have the Soulkind and some don't.Some want it and some repress it until it may be too late.Very good narration by Daniel Susco.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
June 29, 2019
Meh. I couldn't get into it. A quarter of the way through, I stopped. Goodreads doesn't have an option for stopped reading bc I didn't like it.
March 16, 2021
I really enjoyed the first book of the Soulkind series. The magic system was very interesting to follow and learn about, and I enjoy the main character quite a bit.
September 26, 2013
The Soulkind Awakening has got all of the trappings of epic fantasy: the young learner, the aged master, sinister baddie, baddie's vicious minions, a quest fraught with danger, and a whole lot of magic. The author clearly spent a lot of time thinking about how the magic Soulkind (there are many of the mystical objects) interact with his world, and it works. Part of the reason it succeeds is the slow reveal. You only get to see a taste of just one of the Soulkind throughout the majority of the novel, and even that happens slowly as the magic users (Followers) are forced by circumstance to figure things out largely on their own.
You experience the world largely through the eyes of (the young learner) Jace, a reformed thief. He's got the usual cadre of friends (including aged master Turic), enemies, and curious abilities which harken more significant talents. Eventually it becomes evident that the long-dormant magic of the Soulkind is awakening, and then everyone is caught up in the epic quest to save the world from sinister baddie.
Overall, this is a solid, well-written debut novel with the potential for a whole bunch of innovative sequels. I look forward to reading them.
You experience the world largely through the eyes of (the young learner) Jace, a reformed thief. He's got the usual cadre of friends (including aged master Turic), enemies, and curious abilities which harken more significant talents. Eventually it becomes evident that the long-dormant magic of the Soulkind is awakening, and then everyone is caught up in the epic quest to save the world from sinister baddie.
Overall, this is a solid, well-written debut novel with the potential for a whole bunch of innovative sequels. I look forward to reading them.
December 19, 2019
3.5 estrellas.
Fue una lectura amena. La trama es entretenida y con algunos plot twists interesantes que no me esperaba. Tanto el mundo que el autor creó como sus personajes están muy bien armados y te llevan por la historia de forma atrapante hasta el final. Había momentos en que no podía esperar a saber que pasaba a continuación. Me gustó además el sistema mágico implementado y que la magia estuviera no solo para resolver situaciones sino también para crear problemas. Disfruté mucho de la lectura y realmente lo recomiendo.
It was a pleasant read. The plot is entertaining and with some interesting plot twists that I did not expect. Both the world that the author created and his characters are very well armed and take you through the story in a captivating way until the end. There were times when I couldn't wait to know what happened next. I also liked the magic system implemented and that the magic was not only to solve situations but also to create problems. I really enjoyed reading it and I really recommend it.
Fue una lectura amena. La trama es entretenida y con algunos plot twists interesantes que no me esperaba. Tanto el mundo que el autor creó como sus personajes están muy bien armados y te llevan por la historia de forma atrapante hasta el final. Había momentos en que no podía esperar a saber que pasaba a continuación. Me gustó además el sistema mágico implementado y que la magia estuviera no solo para resolver situaciones sino también para crear problemas. Disfruté mucho de la lectura y realmente lo recomiendo.
It was a pleasant read. The plot is entertaining and with some interesting plot twists that I did not expect. Both the world that the author created and his characters are very well armed and take you through the story in a captivating way until the end. There were times when I couldn't wait to know what happened next. I also liked the magic system implemented and that the magic was not only to solve situations but also to create problems. I really enjoyed reading it and I really recommend it.
August 5, 2016
Reread my newly-autographed paperback edition as a primer for The Shadow of the Soulkind: Book 2/The Shadow of the Soulkind. Still excellent. Glad Steve Davala switched from Darrak to Darrak.
January 15, 2020
Can be the next read for the lover of fantasy. The character created in Jace is well worth following on to the next book in the series. I must say the description of a few scenes is not vivid, making them feel nearly unnecessary if I may say, in addition, that of the Darrak on their own was not vivid too and it was hard to get a clear picture of them in your mind's eye, independently, and without alluding to reptilian creatures elsewhere which may not give the right picture in the end, other than that, a good book generally.
March 31, 2020
"The Soulkind Awakening" is an adventurous story of friendship and perseverance. In his debut novel, Davala sculpts a world that is satisfactorily recognizable, fantastic, and mysterious. He inhabits this world with round, endearing characters; characters that we don't want to leave as the story ends. Davala writes in the timeless style of a master storyteller, and will leave you looking forward to the next book in the series.
September 11, 2013
Great book!!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews