The Soul Shepherd and the Threshold

by M.V. Noerrac

The soul shepherd Michael, with young man's eyes the color of Crab Nebula, guides the dead to cross the threshold. For over a century, he has discharged this duty with blind obedience. Until he met thirteen-year old Noah. Struck by Noah's horrific fate, Michael makes a choice that sets him on a collision course with the very nature of a soul shepherd. Worse, it has awakened demons from his own past, and has forced him to confront a bitter irony - as a soul shepherd he is forbidden to cross the threshold.

153 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 27, 2015

About the author

If you were on a 14-hour non-stop flight from Toronto to Anywhere-City, will you enjoy seating next to me? Let's see :-)

First, let's talk about books. I read an eclectic mix - from Stephen Hawking's "A Brief History of Time", to Bram Stoker's "Dracula", to Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre". Second, TV shows. I can never get enough of The Big Bang Theory; and Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Third, food. Breakfast on weekends is my favourite meal - pile of pancake or French toast generously drizzled with maple syrup, peameal bacon, sunny-side-up egg.

What about age? Well, I grew up when Popeye, Road Runner, Tweetie Bird, and Superfriends were Saturday morning staples. When everyone I know, know the answer to, "Who you gonna call?"

Finally, like any self-respecting Torontonian I love the Raptors, Blue Jays, (and okay, The Toronto Maple Leafs).

So, fasten your seatbelt, eh?

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will touch your very soul. The story is about Michael (the soul Sheppard ) and Noah who has passed on. Michael has to guard the souls from evil until he can guide them to the threshold. Beautifully written so that you are so drawn in it almost feels that you are there with them fighting off the evil. a definite must read!

[Christina McMullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting take on the supernatural/afterlife premise. In many ways, it reads like a mystery and I admit, there were some moments in the first half that seemed rather intentionally vague. But as the story began to unfold and take shape, I found myself pushing through to find out what happens next.
A bit dark in nature, but highly recommended to fans of supernatural thriller.

[Bookangel.co.uk · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a genuinely good book, particularly for readers of paranormal and YA fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Michael is a soul shepherd, guiding the newly dead to their rest. Noah is his latest case, a teenager whose not prepared to admit his life is over. But something threatens his surviving family and others among the living. Noah might be the first charge the Michael won't he able to save.

The characterisation is strong, and the relationship between Micheal and Noah beautifully nuanced. The contrast between the living and spirit worlds and the odd interaction between them is nicely portrayed, and the rules the soul shepherds must follow are clearly laid out. The plot has a fair number of twists and keeps you guessing until the end.

I enjoyed it, and I don't usually read this genre.

[T.R. Briar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good read. I quite enjoyed the story, the characters, and the way the plot unfolded to introduce elements of the afterlife and the creatures involved within. A little slow to start, the book did an admirable job of unraveling each of the characters, their motivations and actions within the story, painting a much larger picture by the end, giving them much more depth. I will say I was disappointed the story ended before going more into Michael's history, but I suppose that's a story for another day.

[Big Book Theory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved The Soul Shepherd and the Threshold. The writing style is enjoyable to read. I found the main character, Noah endearing and the situation Michael found himself in very interesting. I loved how Noah had to undertake a mission to save his sister from the same possible tragedy and in the process resolve his issues of why he could not move on. All round, a great read. I'd recommend it to anyone who loves reading paranormal teen fiction.

[A.E. Hellstorm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot. It was very nicely woven together. The pacing was great and the characters captivating. I was constantly wondering how it would end for Noah and Michael. The last two sentences made my heart turn, because they captured the whole book and the message in it. Recommended read if you are interested in suspension and supernatural.