After years of wandering the stars, I’ve finally met someone who can see me—the handsome and serious Prince Zoltilvoxfyn. I know I should pass on, but I feel something, like physically feel something, when I’m with him. That hasn’t happened since I was alive, and I can’t help but wonder, why now?
Zoltilvoxfyn
I’m trying to help the human soul, who shouldn’t even be here, leave the mortal plane, but he is resolved to remain. The longer Caleb lingers, the more danger he is in, yet the more I want him to stay by my side. It’s like he belongs here, but that isn’t possible.
This is a spicy stand-alone MM romance in the Cosmic Romance series. It is a sci-fi paranormal romance with a sunshine ghost, a serious alien, overprotective brothers, and a happily ever after. This book is for adult audiences only and has explicit content. Content warning inside.
This book was sooooo cool! I mean, ghost x alien, what's not to love? What pulled me in with this book the hardest was the question: how does a ghost get a HEA? Especially when he cannot physically feel anything and phases through walls? Is he going to stay a ghost - or what would happen if he passes on? I'm not going to spoil anything but the twists this book had with answering that question and Caleb's journey becoming Fyn's soulmate was so intriguing.
The characters themselves were so lovable! Caleb was so fun as a nosy chatterbox and Fyn was so soft and sweet, I want to protect him at all costs. Kal and Seth from book 1 were also a major part of this story, and I'm glad to see them more again 💕 Adore this book, and this series!! 💖✨
Fun alien romance! The author handled depression just as well as they handled anxiety, in my opinion. I really enjoyed how Caleb approached his ghostly state. And I loved how the ending worked out. Fear not for this a romance, and has its HEA for our departed human and his alien medium. But they have to get through some twists and turns to get there. At first, I found myself disappointed and hoping for a different solution WITH the characters, and coming to acceptance as they did. Going through the emotions and struggles with them was really good. I wasn’t just reading their struggles through the challenge, but experiencing it.
Definitely not my favorite of the series. I really loved the first book. This one fell flat for me. While I liked Caleb's character, Fyn's fell flat for me. I found him bland and uninteresting. And there seemed to be endless pining. And even though it's technically a HEA, it felt incomplete to me.
a beautifully executed and thoughtfully written novel
Rating: 4.5🌈
I was intrigued by the theme of the book when Mars Quinn introduced the characters and concept at the end of the first story. That a human ghost had traveled, somehow, to the stars and stumbled upon a strange planet and being able to see him? Fascinating as a certain other well-known character would say.
Cosmic Soul: A MM Sci-fi Romance (Cosmic Romance 2) by Mars Quinn turns out to be a beautifully executed and thoughtfully written novel, one that engaged me far deeper than even the first well done story had.
Quinn continues to enlarge this universe by adding to the knowledge of the Drakcol Empire culture,its martial history, and the sentient Crystal that now drives all their lives and decisions. The Drakcol believe in 4 soul types: warriors, seekers, spiritual, and creators, testing their people to see into what type they fall. This aspect of Drakcol society plays deeply into the various characters dynamics here. That determines much of their lives as some types are valued higher than others simply because of their history.
In Cosmic Soul, Quinn with these characters, there’s glimpses of almost hidden gifts and other aspects of Drakcol society that are reflective of human life. Quinn uses, per the author’s notes, deeply personal knowledge to describe parts of Zoltikvoxfyn/Fyn (one of Kal’s brothers) personality. It’s a condition that’s had an enormous impact on his and his family’s lives. It’s realistically portrayed as something Fyn has been dealing with , similar to human depression.
It’s through Zoltikvoxfyn/Fyn that the human ghostly traveler, Caleb Smith, is able to find someone able to see and hear him. Turns out that Fyn, a name Caleb gives to Zoltikvoxfyn, can see spirits or ghosts, a highly unusual gift among his people.
From this incredible beginning, in Fyn’s room among rare flora, a deeply layered and detailed narrative is created. These characters will become so dear and remarkable, as well as the tumultuous, often painful journey they must endure in order for them to find their own unique form of love and a mate bond.
The author brings back all the great characters from Cosmic Husband, including them in important roles here, both as family and friends, as Fyn and Caleb seek their way through this difficult period. There’s a subtle development with the Crystal, the two races, the uneasy populace that’s seeing additional narrative growth in the series arc plotting that’s highly fascinating. I can’t wait to see where Quinn goes with this.
Book to book, the characters and storylines are gathering depth and strength in terms of new great characters and world building.
It’s got humor too. So yes, this is a great read and must series. Read them in the order they are written.
waffling between 3.5 and 4 stars, still not 100% sure
-this one got WEIRD and actually kind of complicated and sad??? SO much commentary on grief and loss and responsibility and death and what it means to live, as well as dealing with depression and low self-worth and chronic pain, and also commentary on ableism as well??? like as much as this WAS a silly little alien romance it also was quite serious in tone for the vast majority of it. as a result, i really wanted to see more happy moments between Fyn and Caleb, like so much of their relationship was overshadowed by how much they had to deal with. -okay I know some people are really into the whole "two halves of a whole" soulmate dynamic but I get so tired reading about how they'll actually die without each other. like I do appreciate the scene where they tried to get Fyn to live his life because HE'S worth it, not living just for his partner, but it's still just too much for me generally the way the alien culture is set up re: relationships, and Fyn never REALLY had to figure out how to survive without him. which I guess is fine bc he doesn't have to, but still. similarly, the nicknames are lowkey bothering me -- why are we calling Caleb "Mate" with a capital M? I do not like that. no sir. -felt kind of like a lot of loose ends, but I know it's a series and they may be setting up for the third one. I feel like these can't accurately be called standalones, although the author DOES reiterate a lot of the worldbuilding in the second one so you aren't missing so much of the lore (which is actually kind of annoying if you're reading them back to back) -again, these romances are not like *spicy*, they're rly slow burn and then there's usually like....a big sex scene at the end. cool or whatever, I liked it for the first book, but for this one I kinda wanted more. I don't know.
I'm really torn about this bc there was a lot I really liked and ultimately I'm reluctant to shit on it too much because I don't want to take it TOO seriously, but the content was so serious for a lot of it that I also don't want to NOT take it seriously ....I don't know man.
This book was a bit of a whirlwind. The first half of the book you follow Caleb with his ghostly antics and as he develops a friendship and romantic relationship with Fyn. Caleb was so fun to read and his character was really easy to enjoy. I loved how he was written and how his personality really came through in his monologues, inner thoughts, and just general excitement about everything. Fyn was a nice character but I struggled more to connect to him. His character was written as suffering from depression and being very reclusive but we were really only told that and never more thoroughly shown that in the story. I think if we had been given more of a chance to see all aspects of his personality then it would have been easier to enjoy his character.
The second half of the book is where I struggled the most though. I don’t want to spoil anything but I will just say that there were a lot of changes and when they happened I was extremely conflicted. I didn’t enjoy the surprise and I found the aftermath of it very hard to read. Especially with how it affected Caleb mentally and physically.
Before this big change took place, we were introduced to a different race of aliens who I found really interesting! The entire storyline was fun and intriguing and I was super disappointed when nothing came of it. It felt like we were given a start of a plot that could have been really great and fun, but then it was quickly written off. I wish the “surprise” had come from that storyline instead of how it really played out.
As in the first book, the romance is very slow burn. But I enjoyed in both books how the relationships were first formed and how everything evolved.
I’m eager to read the next book and to see if more of these side plots are explained, but mostly I want Wyn to get their own book! 🤞
Tropes: Fated Mates, Different Species, Dual POV, Found Family, Hurt/Comfort, Possessiveness Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5 Spice: 🌶️ 1/5 Relationship: MM
I found this book very interesting. I probably would’ve rated it higher but I felt there was not enough time spent going through all the difficulties Fyn and Caleb had faced after he transformed.
Instead of all the filler they had inbetween this, I would’ve loved to see more of Fyn’s conflict whilst he tried to accept this new Caleb or at minimum had more chapters of when Fyn didn’t believe Caleb was Caleb - because no one would believe or accept that easily or immediately (for real??). This would’ve given more emotional tension and turmoil to the storyline to make it more gritty.
Afterwards, I would’ve loved to see more of how Caleb assimilated to his new life and how he came to settle in - that didn’t happen and it was just an unsatisfactory rushed epilogue.
And I needed more connection with Tinlorray and Caleb - after everything he saw of her and what she did for him; they should’ve been related FOREVER. I read this series backward (book 3 halfway then I got bored, read book four then went back to finish book 3. Then read this book 2, so I know he has a relationship with Tinlorray - now where did this happen because we don’t see it?)
I still loathe Seth so I still don’t see myself reading book 1 anytime soon. I know authors love their characters but at this point it’s just going overboard with Seth and Kal. They make me rage.
This book is just so so good. The relationship, the characters, the emotions, just the best! I loved watching Fyn and Caleb fall in love. They are so opposite but so so perfect for each other. And how much they loved each other despite the impossibility of their relationship! Ah, just all the feels! There is an HEA though, which is great because while I love being emotional, I need that happy ending. Caleb was such a ball of sunshine but realistic. And he wasn’t toxic with his positivity. He was just a bouncy ball. And then to see all he went through to be with Fyn, ah my heart! I loved the mental health rep with Fyn and his depression. I also love that he is not fixed by his love interest. Fyn has depression and a supportive mate and family. But he still struggles with depression and will struggle. Just love that and need more books with that. This book is definitely spicier than the last one and ooh, is it spicy! But they had genuine love and intimacy with each other, not just spice. Though the spice was hot! This book really caught me and kept my attention and my heart. I love it so much and I cannot wait for the next one. Please more!!!!
it was REALLY good. But I somehow really hated the ending, even if it was good? sorry it's a spoiler, but I wish I knew this before starting the book : Caleb, the human spirit, will end up in somebody's else body (a brain dead Drakol) and it was a huge turn off for me. I really got attached to his sunny and small human form, so when he has awoken in a strangers body...I cried. I felt it coming and was praying that I was wrong and it happened. somehow it ruined the book for me. I really cried because I was emotionally involved (too much, the book was soooo good) but that is not the ending that I was expecting and somehow it made me extremely sad for Caleb. like really sad.
I wish to give more stars for this book because it was really good, but I can't. this is not a true HEA for me, it's like a bittersweet one and I hate that kind of ending.
But the rest was good. ugh. gonna go cry in a corner (I hate leaving that kind of review).
I was enjoying myself up until the way Caleb became not-a-ghost. I saw it coming, but had hoped to be wrong. What an absolutely let down of an ending. And poor Caleb?? 100% would have just preferred him staying a ghost. The sex scene where he has his “new” body I just skipped. Would have been four stars but I couldn’t rate this higher than a two after that train wreck of the finish.
Also I don’t know, speaking as someone who has severe depression, I thought the actual depression Fyn supposedly had was kind of glossed over. Quinn stated in their authors note that writing Fyn’s depression in greater detail was too hard on Quinn’s own depression but idk maybe don’t write a character with depression then?
I was really excited to read Caleb's book. Everything about this book was amazing until Caleb took over Yolkeltop's body. It was hard to finish the book after that. I loved everything about human Caleb, but I could not connect with him after he became Yolkeltop. I felt like everything that made us love him changed. One of the reasons I love the series is because it is so different from other alien/human mm romances. I love the aspect of the alien mating with humans and their differences and struggles. I wish Caleb remained human, and that was the downside for me and the reason why it's 3.5 stars instead of 5.
Whoever told me this series was a SPICY mm romance must read closed door romance books because they don’t even do the deed until 98%… yes you read that right.
I skimmed so much of this book because while it had many great scenes it had even more boring, mundane ones. So much of these books have been stuff I simply do not care about and while consent is great, the “permissions” are getting a little old.
These are supposed to be mates who literally can’t stay away from each other. Just once I wanted them to actually prove that and maul each other in a good away.
I would’ve rated this 4 stars if it wasn’t for the ending, which felt rushed and lazy. This is a sci-fi romance with infinite possibilities for new alien planets and tech, so it was supremely frustrating to see such a cliche resolution to Caleb’s predicament. Yolkeltod and Tinlorray were practically labeled ‘deus ex machina’ from the moment Caleb met them, and they didn’t get enough focus / character development to justify their importance to the ending. While I appreciate that the author gave content warnings for things like body dysmorphia and chronic pain, the switch in tone from lighthearted to heavy still felt jarring. As someone who has struggled with body dysmorphia and am usually ok reading about it, I was unprepared for just how devastating it would feel to experience Caleb’s POV during this time. I think this was due to pacing of the book — we witness Caleb’s intense grief and struggle to adjust to his new body in upsetting detail, then the story abruptly ends and the epilogue cuts to 3 months later, robbing readers of the catharsis of witnessing Caleb heal.
I have a hard time lately keeping focused when I read, which has been brutal. But this one kept me hooked! The characters were both very loveable and sweet in their own way. I can't say too much, but the last section of the book was great because it didn't gloss over the feelings. No magical moment to erase some ptsd. And I appreciate that. Most authors build up, only to rush past the trauma/drama and tie it up with a bow. Thank you for actually putting thought into it and letting me experience the pain and wonder that they did.
A ghost and a ghost whisperer. A perfect pairing. I love the world this author has created. I love the alien characters. I kind of wish the main characters weren't so emotionally damaged. I understand the various mental health issues. I have famiy and friends who have bipolar disorder, chronic depression, ADHD, are on spectrums, or are suffering from abuse due to being LGBTQ. It's a bit much when your reading for escapism. But I still love the stories. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I loved the ghost aspect! Ghost romances are one of my faves and to have that combined with an alien romance was top tier! Fyn was so sweet, and my heart hurt when he struggled with his depression. Caleb was bright and happy. His struggles really hit hard.
We got to spend so much of the book getting to know these two, I think because I was so invested in them, I ended up being disappointed that we didn’t get more of the healing part of the story. It’s rare that I want MORE of an already long book, but that was definitely the case here.
Love this sci-fi romance series, and this book specifically. Such deep emotions, insecurities, depression & anxieties, cultural differences to navigate, among many other trials & tribulations these two go through to end up together & happy. I love the family unit, the support, ribbing, love. These characters are realistic feeling. Deep, flawed, imperfect, vulnerable yet capable people who just wanna be themselves, to be loved. Very much enjoyed this story. Looking forward to more, too.
Cosmic Soul is the second book in the Cosmic Romances series.
In this case, we have Fyn and Caleb. Caleb is a human ghost who wanders the universe without really knowing why. Until he meets Fyn, an alien who loves plants and can see ghosts. Thus begins a friendship that leads to romance.
They are both super adorable, Caleb always full of energy, thinking of others, and Fyn, protected by her brothers and parents. With HEA.
This story was different and interesting. Caleb is a ghost. Fyn can see/ hear him and of course they fall in love then Caleb’s body falls apart and ends up in a brain dead body. It’s scary and confusing and painful. Both men work together to make it work. FYI, Fyn has major depression that holds him back.
This book made me cry!!!!!!!! I love Caleb and Fyn so much. Watching them grow and learn to communicate through their feelings was so beautiful. This book has great representations of anxiety, ptsd, and depression. I can’t wait for the next book and the next and the next.
One of the most accurate depictions of depression in literature that I've come across. I particularly liked that the depression was preexisting, not fixed by finding a partner, and continues throughout the book.
I was hesitant to read this one (ghosts aren't my thing) and I'm so glad I did. I am eagerly awaiting book 4.
Really enjoyed this one except for the end with Caleb. I don’t want to post any spoilers so I’m leaving it there. I just don’t agree with the direction that was taken. Everything else was great! Caleb is such a fun character and I love that he brings out Fyn’s more playful and happy side that he usually has trouble expressing.
As well written as the first book in this series, but with a big twist. I like those! As with Cosmic Husband the characters and world building are wonderful. It is best to read Cosmic Husband first so you know all the characters in this one.
This story was ok for the most part, if a little boring, until Caleb woke up in someone else’s body. Idk why it didn’t really vibe with me but I wasn’t a fan the rest of the story. It really dragged down my rating
Mid way through the book I had to read reviews to see what happens to Caleb. (I’m an anxious reader and need to be assured of a HEA) I wish there was a little more of a wrap up at the end but overall I liked it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was way better than the first book in the series. I liked that both MCs had struggles that they needed to overcome. I also liked that we got see more of Seth. Overall, a really good story.