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Soul Eater #2
Witches' Bane
I didn’t earn the name Godkiller, but in three days I’ll own it.
Witches are disappearing all over New York, and Ace Dante couldn’t care less. Until one holds his friend at gunpoint, demanding Ace take the job.
The witch produces his girlfriend’s severed arm, bearing an unusual hieroglyph, and Ace starts to care a whole lot more. He recognizes that mark. It’s connected to Ace in ways he doesn’t yet understand. But why is it on a dead witch’s arm?
Missing witches and severed arms aren’t Ace’s only problems. With a new name around his neck—Godkiller—Ace has a promise to uphold. He has three days to kill the god, Thoth. Or risk Osiris’ wrath. The last time he defied Osiris, he earned a curse that crippled his life and turned him into Osiris’ puppet for eternity.
This time, Osiris won’t be as lenient. Ace must kill Thoth. An impossible task. It takes a god to kill a god, and Ace is just a washed-up mercenary. Isn’t he?
As the spells are cast and the truth is revealed, Ace realizes there’s only one way out.
He must become the monster the gods fear him to be.
The Soul Eater has a new name, and now, nobody is safe.
Witches are disappearing all over New York, and Ace Dante couldn’t care less. Until one holds his friend at gunpoint, demanding Ace take the job.
The witch produces his girlfriend’s severed arm, bearing an unusual hieroglyph, and Ace starts to care a whole lot more. He recognizes that mark. It’s connected to Ace in ways he doesn’t yet understand. But why is it on a dead witch’s arm?
Missing witches and severed arms aren’t Ace’s only problems. With a new name around his neck—Godkiller—Ace has a promise to uphold. He has three days to kill the god, Thoth. Or risk Osiris’ wrath. The last time he defied Osiris, he earned a curse that crippled his life and turned him into Osiris’ puppet for eternity.
This time, Osiris won’t be as lenient. Ace must kill Thoth. An impossible task. It takes a god to kill a god, and Ace is just a washed-up mercenary. Isn’t he?
As the spells are cast and the truth is revealed, Ace realizes there’s only one way out.
He must become the monster the gods fear him to be.
The Soul Eater has a new name, and now, nobody is safe.
174 pages, ebook
First published August 29, 2016
162 people are currently reading
770 people want to read
About the author
Pippa DaCosta
79 books1,557 followersTwo-time DragonCon Finalist & Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award semi-finalist--- "Wait a second. Let's cut to the chase. I write kick-ass urban fantasy & sci-fi novels with conflicted characters, breathless action, and no-holds-barred dialogue. My books may not leave you feeling all fluffy and warm inside, but they will excite you. There will be plot-twists, angst, probably a few dead bodies, and very likely your favorite character will turn out to be the bad guy. Don't say I didn't warn you..."
www.pippadacosta.com
(I review on Goodreads as a reader, not a writer. Reviews here are my personal opinion, not a professional one).
www.pippadacosta.com
(I review on Goodreads as a reader, not a writer. Reviews here are my personal opinion, not a professional one).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
November 23, 2018
Previous rating
: 12 stars.
New rating : 15 stars. DUH.
➽ And the moral of this rereread is :
P.S. There's a very slight chance I might want to be Cat when I grow up. Claws and bloodshed, there's nothing quite like it. Besides, spoiler spoiler spoiler. You're welcome.
P.P.S. Think I willingly rereread this book? Oh please, don't be ridiculous. Why would I voluntarily put myself through so much pain and suffering? I might be slightly masochistic and stuff, but I am not completely out of my mindyet. The only reason I submitted myself to this most unpleasant torture once again is because the Vile MacHalos were buddy reading this book, and forced me to tag along. Such a despicably depraved, vicious bunch they are. They really should all be banned from GR post haste.
· Book 1: Hidden Blade ★★★★★
· Book 3: See No Evil ★★★★★
· Book 4: Scorpion Trap ★★★★★
· Book 5: Serpent's Game ★★★★★
· Book 6: Edge of Forever ★★★★★
· Short-story: Chase the Dark ★★★★★
[April 19, 2017]
Previous rating : 10 stars.
New rating : 12 stars. DUH.
➽ And the moral of this reread is :
Ace + Shu + Cat = mostest awesomest, badassest and slightly bloodthirstiest trio in the history of Mostest Awesomest, Badassest and Slightly Bloodthirstiest Trios (MABaSBT™). QED and stuff.
Now let's dance.
That's Ace, Shu and Cat for you. They kick ass 24/7, slaughter things beautifully and have smooth moves. If that isn't perfection, I don't know what is.
[Original review: August 2016]
Actual rating : 10 Bloody Hell This Is Bloody Fantastic How Does Pippa Do It I Have No Freaking Clue Stars (BHTIBFHDPDIIHNFCS™).
Oh please don't shudder in fear, my Little Barnacles, I promise to keep the harebrained fangirl at bay for this one .
So. First things first: Pippa DaCosta is invincible! Pippa DaCosta is failproof! Pippa DaCosta has obviously sold her soul to Satan! This is the only plausible explanation! How else would she be able to nail it EVERY SINGLE FREAKING TIME?! I'm telling you, my Lovely Decapods, the woman just cannot be human. I mean, I have never NOT liked any of her stories. Not a single one. Ever. I have never NOT rated any of her stories anything less than8 5 stars. Not a single one. Ever. Damn. Double damn. Triple damn. I can't even say that about Ilona Andrews *slightly faints* So the most logical explanation is: Pippa DaCosta's BFF is dear old Mephistopheles (also known as Mephie Boy in private circles).
Okayyyy, since I'm in a fairly good mood today (I haven't killed a single tourist yet), I shall spare you. Yep, that's right. I shall not tell you the things I usually tell you about The One Who Sold Her Soul To The Devil's (TOWSHSTTD™) books. No I won't. Absolutely not. I shall be strong and resist the temptation to tell you that it's awesome, amazing, and generally brilliantly. And gripping from the very first page. And super fast-paced. And that there is blood-and-gore-yay. And that no one does Gloriously Fucked Up Characters (GFUC™) like Pippa DaCosta. And that the woman has no mercy on her poor readers' nerves. No, i will not tell you all that. Because I'm not the rehashing type. Never was, and never will be. Ha.
What I WILL tell you is that :
✔ Ace is…
He is mine, you hear? MINE. MINE. MINE. So back off. If you don't want to die a slow, horrible, painful death, that is. But if you are feeling slightly suicidal today, by all means, please go ahead and try to steal him from me.
✔ The Freaking Egyptian Gods are deliciously evil, beautifully twisted, delightfully wicked, enchantingly devious, exquisitely depraved and gloriously malevolent. Yum yum yum.
✔ Ace's Marvelously Magnificent Sidekicks (MMS™) are so magnificently marvellous and awesome and stuff that I just did the "Poof! Gone!" on them and locked them up in my Cool Chicks Harem. I mean, how can you resist stuff like this:
“What a shame he didn’t add a penis to this collection. The spells I can craft with fresh genitals…” She beamed like it was Christmas morning.
Talk of severed penises never fails to remind of The Black Company (Kina FTW!). And any character that brings fond memories of The Black Company is a gloriously awesome character in my book.
Then we have:
"She was naked, and wet, and bloody, with glistening fingernails like razorblades […] The first body had four deep gashes running from his groin to his gullet. She’d disemboweled him."
So beautiful. Girls, I am SO in love with you both.
✔ Expect the unexpected. Have I ever mentioned that Pippa DaCosta was cool and awesome and stuff? I have? Nah, I don't think so. You must have the wrong Sarah. So. Here goes: Pippa DaCosta is cool and awesome and stuff. Yep, that's right. Why? Because she never goes for the Pathetically Easy, Stupidly Predictable UF Cheap Tricks (PESPUCT™ ← sounds like some deadly disease, doesn't it? How fitting), the way crappy UF authors do (no no no, I am not naming names here, I'm not like that. Oh no, not me .) I mean, you'd expect [SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER] to actually [SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER], since [SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER] when [SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER]. Nope nope nope. Because Pippa DaCosta is cool and awesome and stuff, and she would never do something as ridiculously obvious and obviously ridiculous as that. And this is one of the many reasons why I slightly worship her ← this is me being a harebrained yet ridiculously considerate fangirl. Click at your own risk. You're welcome.
»» And the moral of this Crappy Non Review is: Pippa, will you please please please marry me? I promise not to be good and stuff.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
New rating : 15 stars. DUH.
➽ And the moral of this rereread is :
P.S. There's a very slight chance I might want to be Cat when I grow up. Claws and bloodshed, there's nothing quite like it. Besides, spoiler spoiler spoiler. You're welcome.
P.P.S. Think I willingly rereread this book? Oh please, don't be ridiculous. Why would I voluntarily put myself through so much pain and suffering? I might be slightly masochistic and stuff, but I am not completely out of my mind
· Book 1: Hidden Blade ★★★★★
· Book 3: See No Evil ★★★★★
· Book 4: Scorpion Trap ★★★★★
· Book 5: Serpent's Game ★★★★★
· Book 6: Edge of Forever ★★★★★
· Short-story: Chase the Dark ★★★★★
[April 19, 2017]
Previous rating : 10 stars.
New rating : 12 stars. DUH.
➽ And the moral of this reread is :
Ace + Shu + Cat = mostest awesomest, badassest and slightly bloodthirstiest trio in the history of Mostest Awesomest, Badassest and Slightly Bloodthirstiest Trios (MABaSBT™). QED and stuff.
Now let's dance.
That's Ace, Shu and Cat for you. They kick ass 24/7, slaughter things beautifully and have smooth moves. If that isn't perfection, I don't know what is.
[Original review: August 2016]
Actual rating : 10 Bloody Hell This Is Bloody Fantastic How Does Pippa Do It I Have No Freaking Clue Stars (BHTIBFHDPDIIHNFCS™).
Oh please don't shudder in fear, my Little Barnacles, I promise to keep the harebrained fangirl at bay for this one .
So. First things first: Pippa DaCosta is invincible! Pippa DaCosta is failproof! Pippa DaCosta has obviously sold her soul to Satan! This is the only plausible explanation! How else would she be able to nail it EVERY SINGLE FREAKING TIME?! I'm telling you, my Lovely Decapods, the woman just cannot be human. I mean, I have never NOT liked any of her stories. Not a single one. Ever. I have never NOT rated any of her stories anything less than
Okayyyy, since I'm in a fairly good mood today (I haven't killed a single tourist yet), I shall spare you. Yep, that's right. I shall not tell you the things I usually tell you about The One Who Sold Her Soul To The Devil's (TOWSHSTTD™) books. No I won't. Absolutely not. I shall be strong and resist the temptation to tell you that it's awesome, amazing, and generally brilliantly. And gripping from the very first page. And super fast-paced. And that there is blood-and-gore-yay. And that no one does Gloriously Fucked Up Characters (GFUC™) like Pippa DaCosta. And that the woman has no mercy on her poor readers' nerves. No, i will not tell you all that. Because I'm not the rehashing type. Never was, and never will be. Ha.
What I WILL tell you is that :
✔ Ace is…
He is mine, you hear? MINE. MINE. MINE. So back off. If you don't want to die a slow, horrible, painful death, that is. But if you are feeling slightly suicidal today, by all means, please go ahead and try to steal him from me.
✔ The Freaking Egyptian Gods are deliciously evil, beautifully twisted, delightfully wicked, enchantingly devious, exquisitely depraved and gloriously malevolent. Yum yum yum.
✔ Ace's Marvelously Magnificent Sidekicks (MMS™) are so magnificently marvellous and awesome and stuff that I just did the "Poof! Gone!" on them and locked them up in my Cool Chicks Harem. I mean, how can you resist stuff like this:
“What a shame he didn’t add a penis to this collection. The spells I can craft with fresh genitals…” She beamed like it was Christmas morning.
Talk of severed penises never fails to remind of The Black Company (Kina FTW!). And any character that brings fond memories of The Black Company is a gloriously awesome character in my book.
Then we have:
"She was naked, and wet, and bloody, with glistening fingernails like razorblades […] The first body had four deep gashes running from his groin to his gullet. She’d disemboweled him."
So beautiful. Girls, I am SO in love with you both.
✔ Expect the unexpected. Have I ever mentioned that Pippa DaCosta was cool and awesome and stuff? I have? Nah, I don't think so. You must have the wrong Sarah. So. Here goes: Pippa DaCosta is cool and awesome and stuff. Yep, that's right. Why? Because she never goes for the Pathetically Easy, Stupidly Predictable UF Cheap Tricks (PESPUCT™ ← sounds like some deadly disease, doesn't it? How fitting), the way crappy UF authors do (no no no, I am not naming names here, I'm not like that. Oh no, not me .) I mean, you'd expect [SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER] to actually [SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER], since [SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER] when [SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER]. Nope nope nope. Because Pippa DaCosta is cool and awesome and stuff, and she would never do something as ridiculously obvious and obviously ridiculous as that. And this is one of the many reasons why I slightly worship her ← this is me being a harebrained yet ridiculously considerate fangirl. Click at your own risk. You're welcome.
»» And the moral of this Crappy Non Review is: Pippa, will you please please please marry me? I promise not to be good and stuff.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2020
Witch's Bane by Pippa DaCosta continues Ace's story but now he has even more trouble. He never did kill that god, Though, that the sadistic Osiris wanted him to. Osiris is very powerful and will make death seem like a good thing if Ace doesn't do as promised. Although he will probably die trying.
Someone is also killing witches and Ace gets wrapped up in helping find out who is doing this!
Someone is also killing witches and Ace gets wrapped up in helping find out who is doing this!
June 4, 2017
Buddy read with the MacHalo girls
May 29, 2017
*** 4 ***
A buddy read with the MacHalo Freaks, because the Egyptian Pantheon is fun even in contemporary setting!
This was very entertaining! Ace the Soul-Eater, the Demon-Witch in human form, and the Cat-Shifting spy-assassin delivered another Urban Fantasy hit for Pippa! She managed to make the very bloodthirsty, soul-eating, spell-throwing, even innocence- destroying mortal and immortal monster somewhat likable and sympathy inspiring. I still would like to destroy by slow torture every one of the self-centered and self-aggrandizing G-DS, slowly and painfully making them experience every painful feeling and emotion their victims have through the millennia... But I digress...
The story took place 3 months after the end of the previous book and Ace's ex wife has not been seen since, prompting a very enticing cat to live in his office, awaiting her return. Ace is acting out of character, or rather closer to the monster he used to be back in the Underworld... He is also not remembering chunks of his nights and it is obvious that the three G-DS who constantly mess-up his life have something to do with it...
While trying to figure out what is wrong with him, the cat and the Demon-Witch become more involved and I have to say, those two ladies Rock!!! I wish he stops being such an asshole to the Soul-bound to him Demon! Yes, she must have been a horrible person, but it is obvious she is trying to turn herself around, or at least I hope so... I just love her character best of all ☺
As others have mentioned before, the only true issue I have with the books is that the go to fast and I need more! It is a very cool read because it doesn't take itself to seriously and it is a boatload of action and imagination with some pulp-fic thrown in. If it sounds like something you might like, definitely give it a try!!! Us Pippa fans thoroughly enjoy almost everything she comes up with and this is no exception. Can't wait to see what she will come up with next!
Now I wish you all Happy Reading and many more wonderful books to come!☺☺☺
A buddy read with the MacHalo Freaks, because the Egyptian Pantheon is fun even in contemporary setting!
This was very entertaining! Ace the Soul-Eater, the Demon-Witch in human form, and the Cat-Shifting spy-assassin delivered another Urban Fantasy hit for Pippa! She managed to make the very bloodthirsty, soul-eating, spell-throwing, even innocence- destroying mortal and immortal monster somewhat likable and sympathy inspiring. I still would like to destroy by slow torture every one of the self-centered and self-aggrandizing G-DS, slowly and painfully making them experience every painful feeling and emotion their victims have through the millennia... But I digress...
The story took place 3 months after the end of the previous book and Ace's ex wife has not been seen since, prompting a very enticing cat to live in his office, awaiting her return. Ace is acting out of character, or rather closer to the monster he used to be back in the Underworld... He is also not remembering chunks of his nights and it is obvious that the three G-DS who constantly mess-up his life have something to do with it...
While trying to figure out what is wrong with him, the cat and the Demon-Witch become more involved and I have to say, those two ladies Rock!!! I wish he stops being such an asshole to the Soul-bound to him Demon! Yes, she must have been a horrible person, but it is obvious she is trying to turn herself around, or at least I hope so... I just love her character best of all ☺
As others have mentioned before, the only true issue I have with the books is that the go to fast and I need more! It is a very cool read because it doesn't take itself to seriously and it is a boatload of action and imagination with some pulp-fic thrown in. If it sounds like something you might like, definitely give it a try!!! Us Pippa fans thoroughly enjoy almost everything she comes up with and this is no exception. Can't wait to see what she will come up with next!
Now I wish you all Happy Reading and many more wonderful books to come!☺☺☺
June 24, 2017
Buddy read with the fantastic UF group over at BB&B.
I needed to be the man, not the monster.
Witches' Bane takes off right after the end of Hidden Blade. Ace suddenly has earned a new nickname “Godkiller” and he doesn’t know why seeing as he hasn’t as yet killed the god, Thoth, as promised to Osiris when they made a deal. And seeing as Osiris is the god that holds his curse, Ace knows that defying him isn’t an option. But Ace is just a Soul Eater, a mercenary, how is he supposed to kill a god?
As if that isn’t enough of a problem for Ace, witches are disappearing which normally wouldn’t concern him until he’s shown a severed witch’s arm with a strange hieroglyph, one that Ace just recently discovered. Ace is also struggling with his Soul Eater nature, his craving for souls growing and threatening to turn him back into the monster he was.
“What’s a god but a magically endowed epic asshole with a pedigree?”
In this instalment we are really shown just how broken Ace really is, how the darkness inside him threatens to consume him completely. And the power that Osiris and Isis has over him is definitely not helping him. I really hate that he has no free will when it comes to Osiris and after the devastating event that happened in the previous book , it makes me extremely uncomfortable that Ace can’t refuse him. I also especially don’t like that Ace suddenly has such a compelling sexual attraction to Isis and I’m pretty sure she has done something to him to cause this.
I really liked Cat, the new character introduced and I’m hoping we see a lot more of her in the next books. Shu was as wonderful as she was in the first book and I like the strange friendship between her and Ace, despite them believing they are enemies.
The plot was as intense and action-packed as the first book and I must say this author knows how to keep you captivated and glued to the pages. I like that we got to see a little of Ace’s past and given a hint of why he was banished from the underworld. My only complaint and it’s a personal issue, is that I get very uncomfortable when characters are forced to do things against their will, and this is something that happens a lot to Ace and I’m really worried how far this will be taken.
June 24, 2017
Four stars of awesomeness.
June 28, 2017
I totally love that because these books come in under 200 pages everything seems like action, situation, more action and then boom done. But I also hate that because these books are fewer than 200 pages you start and then it is over so fast.
After the happenings at the end of the last book I was a little nervous because it seems like no one is really safe and if you are around Ace you could totally end up dead very easily. I’m pretty sure Shu is safe since they are tied together by a curse, mutual loathing and 500 years. It also helps that she has some serious sorcery skills. But everyone else Ace comes in contact with I’m really just waiting for the body bag to show up. It the gods around Ace don’t kill them then I think Ace himself might.
While I love Ace and his acerbic wit and charming personality the character that stole the show for me this book was Shu. As soon as she said
I was in LOVE. Shu might be damned to hell with a soul blacker than pitch but she has to be a good time at a party too. I think that maybe they are cursed to be together and stuck with one another but it seems like all the hate that might have been there in the beginning might actually be turning into a begrudging respect and possibly dare I say it friends??? Well let’s not jump the gun. They aren’t friends quite yet but there might be a seed or two growing
Ace has a dilemma, he promised to kill a god and now he has been given a time frame to do it in or pay the price. It sucks when another god holds power over your curse and can make you do anything. Ace also swore to help a witch find his missing girlfriend even though he hates witches. So things are not really looking good for him this week, but maybe he’ll figure out a way to save the day that doesn’t get anyone else killed. Probably not though.
I’m just going to reiterate that Osiris and Isis are totally whacked and man they are so twisted. I’m nervous to meet more of the gods if these are the ones that are relatively sane.
I’m very much hoping that Basted comes back. I mean she is the goddess of Cats so I’m pretty sure that nine lives thing comes from somewhere and that you can’t really kill her off all that easily. I’m just waiting for her to make her comeback. Also there is that whole
Really good second book in a series.
After the happenings at the end of the last book I was a little nervous because it seems like no one is really safe and if you are around Ace you could totally end up dead very easily. I’m pretty sure Shu is safe since they are tied together by a curse, mutual loathing and 500 years. It also helps that she has some serious sorcery skills. But everyone else Ace comes in contact with I’m really just waiting for the body bag to show up. It the gods around Ace don’t kill them then I think Ace himself might.
“Stop, or I’ll rip your tongue out, grind it into dust, and sprinkle it in my coffee.”
While I love Ace and his acerbic wit and charming personality the character that stole the show for me this book was Shu. As soon as she said
“What a shame he didn’t add a penis to this collection. The spells I can craft with fresh genitals…”
I was in LOVE. Shu might be damned to hell with a soul blacker than pitch but she has to be a good time at a party too. I think that maybe they are cursed to be together and stuck with one another but it seems like all the hate that might have been there in the beginning might actually be turning into a begrudging respect and possibly dare I say it friends??? Well let’s not jump the gun. They aren’t friends quite yet but there might be a seed or two growing
“You don’t know me. You were tied to me as punishment. You only knew me after I’d hunted you down and condemned you. I was your enemy. That’s all you knew when Osiris dragged you out of the damned and bound your soul to mine. I’ve always been your enemy, and that’s all you know today.”
“Five centuries and that’s what you still believe?”
Ace has a dilemma, he promised to kill a god and now he has been given a time frame to do it in or pay the price. It sucks when another god holds power over your curse and can make you do anything. Ace also swore to help a witch find his missing girlfriend even though he hates witches. So things are not really looking good for him this week, but maybe he’ll figure out a way to save the day that doesn’t get anyone else killed. Probably not though.
I’m just going to reiterate that Osiris and Isis are totally whacked and man they are so twisted. I’m nervous to meet more of the gods if these are the ones that are relatively sane.
I’m very much hoping that Basted comes back. I mean she is the goddess of Cats so I’m pretty sure that nine lives thing comes from somewhere and that you can’t really kill her off all that easily. I’m just waiting for her to make her comeback. Also there is that whole
Really good second book in a series.
September 10, 2016
I loved Hidden Blade but wow, Pippa DaCosta has definitely upped the stakes in Witches' Bane. This series has quickly become one of my favourites and I absolutely can't wait to get my hands on See No Evil in a couple of months.
Ace is my favourite kind of anti hero, there is darkness inside him and he's definitely crossed plenty of lines in his time but he also tries to do the right thing and he stands up and fights for people less powerful than himself. He's walking a very fine line thanks to the curse that binds him to Osiris knowing that no matter how hard he tries to be good Osiris always has a hold over him and can force him to act against his will. Ace is compelled to kill Thoth at Osiris's command and even though he knows he doesn't stand a chance against someone that powerful he also knows that Osiris will take it out on his friends and allies if he fails. Throw in murdered witches, missing memories and meddling gods with plenty of time on their hands to play a very long game and Ace's life has hit an alltime low point.
Everything I loved about the first book was ramped up a level in this one, the story is darker, the gods are even more twisted and Ace is caught up in plots that are far more complicated and overreaching than he could ever have guessed at. Shu is totally brilliant and we meet a new (and equally badass!) sidekick that is going to help make Ace's life interesting. We're starting to dig a little deeper into the characters and I loved the glimpses we saw of Ace's history and finding out how he ended up in the situation he's in now. He's trying so hard to live up to Bast's assertion that there is good inside him but sometimes the past comes back to bite you and the stains on his soul aren't so easy to wipe clean.
If you're looking for an urban fantasy series that stands out from the crowd for it's unique mythology, brilliant world building and outstanding, three dimensional characters then you need the Soul Eater series in your life. I love all of Pippa DaCosta's books and would happily recommend any of them but I think Ace might just be edging Caleb (from her 1000 Revolution series) out of the top spot on my favourite anti heroes list and that's very high praise indeed.
Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review
Before Reading:
This ARC has been sitting in my inbox for a WEEK and I missed it!! How the hell did that happen? Well that's something else to blame those bastard wasps for GRRRR. I know what I'll be reading next though WOOHOO!!
Ace is my favourite kind of anti hero, there is darkness inside him and he's definitely crossed plenty of lines in his time but he also tries to do the right thing and he stands up and fights for people less powerful than himself. He's walking a very fine line thanks to the curse that binds him to Osiris knowing that no matter how hard he tries to be good Osiris always has a hold over him and can force him to act against his will. Ace is compelled to kill Thoth at Osiris's command and even though he knows he doesn't stand a chance against someone that powerful he also knows that Osiris will take it out on his friends and allies if he fails. Throw in murdered witches, missing memories and meddling gods with plenty of time on their hands to play a very long game and Ace's life has hit an alltime low point.
Everything I loved about the first book was ramped up a level in this one, the story is darker, the gods are even more twisted and Ace is caught up in plots that are far more complicated and overreaching than he could ever have guessed at. Shu is totally brilliant and we meet a new (and equally badass!) sidekick that is going to help make Ace's life interesting. We're starting to dig a little deeper into the characters and I loved the glimpses we saw of Ace's history and finding out how he ended up in the situation he's in now. He's trying so hard to live up to Bast's assertion that there is good inside him but sometimes the past comes back to bite you and the stains on his soul aren't so easy to wipe clean.
If you're looking for an urban fantasy series that stands out from the crowd for it's unique mythology, brilliant world building and outstanding, three dimensional characters then you need the Soul Eater series in your life. I love all of Pippa DaCosta's books and would happily recommend any of them but I think Ace might just be edging Caleb (from her 1000 Revolution series) out of the top spot on my favourite anti heroes list and that's very high praise indeed.
Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review
Before Reading:
This ARC has been sitting in my inbox for a WEEK and I missed it!! How the hell did that happen? Well that's something else to blame those bastard wasps for GRRRR. I know what I'll be reading next though WOOHOO!!
Read
May 25, 2017What happens when a coven of magic obsessed witches attempt to trap the Soul Eater?
October 13, 2017
Even better than the first one. Such an engaging read!
I'm surprised this series isn't more popular.
I'm surprised this series isn't more popular.
June 27, 2017
Ace Dante is awesome! I love how conflicted he is. There's a constant struggle between being good and bad although for the most part good seems to be winning out. In this not only is he conflicted but slightly confused. It's like he's on the verge of remembering what happened in Hidden Blade but the memories are resurfacing. You know they will and there will be hell to pay (probably from Cat) when they do.
I am more curious than ever as to who he really is. Is he even part of the Egyptian pantheon? Why is who he is being kept secret? Is it dangerous for him if he knows or is it too dangerous for the other gods if he knows?
There was more character development in this than in Hidden Blade. I really enjoyed the addition of Cat. She and Shu are awesome sidekicks. Shu was way more likable this time around. The budding friendship with her and Ace is a good thing. They're stuck together anyway. It'll be beneficial to them to be friends rather than reluctant adversaries.
I have mixed feelings about the end. Did Ace do the right thing? It seems like all of this is going to come back and bite him in the ass. Thoth alluded to a prophecy. He may not have interpreted it correctly. That alone could have consequences for Ace's actions. Chances are things will get worse for Ace before they get better.
I am more curious than ever as to who he really is. Is he even part of the Egyptian pantheon? Why is who he is being kept secret? Is it dangerous for him if he knows or is it too dangerous for the other gods if he knows?
There was more character development in this than in Hidden Blade. I really enjoyed the addition of Cat. She and Shu are awesome sidekicks. Shu was way more likable this time around. The budding friendship with her and Ace is a good thing. They're stuck together anyway. It'll be beneficial to them to be friends rather than reluctant adversaries.
I have mixed feelings about the end. Did Ace do the right thing? It seems like all of this is going to come back and bite him in the ass. Thoth alluded to a prophecy. He may not have interpreted it correctly. That alone could have consequences for Ace's actions. Chances are things will get worse for Ace before they get better.
August 29, 2016
Much like the mere, simple humans when they encounter the ancient Egyptian beings, Pippa DaCosta also has me quite godstruck with this series.
Ace Dante has his hands overfull this time around. There's trouble brewing with the witches of the city -- ones that he famously doesn't get along with, his ex-wife is missing, and there's a stray cat that won't leave him alone. If that weren't enough, he also has that wee little problem of fulfilling Osiris' wishes to kill another god. A task that isn't going to be easy, being that no one can kill a god, but Osiris commands he make that happen. Just another day in the life of NYC's resident Nameless One.
In this second installment of the Soul-Eater series, Pippa brought out the big guns and proved that not everything is as it seems on the surface. It's no secret that Ace is constantly under strain - he's in an unwavering battle, torn between his instincts to steal souls and his desire to rise above the darkness. Bast's last words to him have made a deep impact and have sort of become a new mantra for dear old Ace, which just compounds things even further. Especially as Ace remembers the feel, the taste, the pure exaltation of devouring souls. He's caught in the crosshairs of gods who are self-serving to the core, merely a puppet in games that can destroy anything and everything, and each one wants to use him for something.
Aside from that, the relationship between Shu and Ace has been given a little more insight, and more of their history has been explored. Interestingly enough, it seems like now, they are really, truly seeing one another for the first time despite spending centuries next to one another. As I said before, not everything is as it would initially appear, and that's very true when it comes to Ace and Shu.
Bottom line, this series is quickly becoming a favorite. Filled with ancient Egyptian gods, demons, magic, and a kickass soul eater, it's definitely a series I'm going to devour as quickly (and satisfyingly) as Ace devours souls.
*Many thanks to Pippa DaCosta for providing a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Ace Dante has his hands overfull this time around. There's trouble brewing with the witches of the city -- ones that he famously doesn't get along with, his ex-wife is missing, and there's a stray cat that won't leave him alone. If that weren't enough, he also has that wee little problem of fulfilling Osiris' wishes to kill another god. A task that isn't going to be easy, being that no one can kill a god, but Osiris commands he make that happen. Just another day in the life of NYC's resident Nameless One.
In this second installment of the Soul-Eater series, Pippa brought out the big guns and proved that not everything is as it seems on the surface. It's no secret that Ace is constantly under strain - he's in an unwavering battle, torn between his instincts to steal souls and his desire to rise above the darkness. Bast's last words to him have made a deep impact and have sort of become a new mantra for dear old Ace, which just compounds things even further. Especially as Ace remembers the feel, the taste, the pure exaltation of devouring souls. He's caught in the crosshairs of gods who are self-serving to the core, merely a puppet in games that can destroy anything and everything, and each one wants to use him for something.
"What's a god but a magically endowed epic asshole with a pedigree?"
"I don't have the pedigree. Besides, soul eaters aren't gods. We're the monsters the gods try to kick under their Persian rugs."
Aside from that, the relationship between Shu and Ace has been given a little more insight, and more of their history has been explored. Interestingly enough, it seems like now, they are really, truly seeing one another for the first time despite spending centuries next to one another. As I said before, not everything is as it would initially appear, and that's very true when it comes to Ace and Shu.
Bottom line, this series is quickly becoming a favorite. Filled with ancient Egyptian gods, demons, magic, and a kickass soul eater, it's definitely a series I'm going to devour as quickly (and satisfyingly) as Ace devours souls.
*Many thanks to Pippa DaCosta for providing a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 28, 2017
Buddy read with the MacHalos.
I rarely like UF with male leads since I generally have a hard time getting into their heads. I have no such problems with Ace Dante. That doesn't mean he is less complex or in any way deficient in masculinity. It just says that the Goddess Pippa DaCosta knows how to write incredible, f@cked up but still relatable heroes.
In this second instalment of the Soul Eater's series, Ace has a really hard time - he has to kill a god, deal with a reputation he thinks he hasn't earned (and boy when he learns what that d*ck Osiris made him do in the previous book, it'll be hell on Earth and open season on the king of the Underworld) and he is pestered by the local witches, which he hates for good reasons, to investigate a series of disappearances.
One of the things I like most about Ace is that he has no delusions about himself. He knows he's not a good guy. He's done awful things in the long centuries of his existence and rightly feels that he is a monster. Only in the past few decades has he slowly started to redeem himself. And he hasn't even noticed it. But the people closest to him have and they keep telling him that he is not just Osiris's pet monster. Ace has to overcome his very nature to be something other than the feared monster and it's a privilege to be a witness of his struggle to beat back the darkness. At the same time he's not turned into a wimp, as many antiheroes do when they decide that they want to be good. It's actually a hard thing to balance writing-wise because the two things generally exclude each other.
Again the only bad thing I can say about the book is that it's too damned short. I feel like a junkie that's never given a full dose. Maybe binge reading all the books in the series once they're all out will be enough? Anyway, if you haven't read this series but like bad boys with godlike power as MC you should definitely pick it up.
I rarely like UF with male leads since I generally have a hard time getting into their heads. I have no such problems with Ace Dante. That doesn't mean he is less complex or in any way deficient in masculinity. It just says that the Goddess Pippa DaCosta knows how to write incredible, f@cked up but still relatable heroes.
In this second instalment of the Soul Eater's series, Ace has a really hard time - he has to kill a god, deal with a reputation he thinks he hasn't earned (and boy when he learns what that d*ck Osiris made him do in the previous book, it'll be hell on Earth and open season on the king of the Underworld) and he is pestered by the local witches, which he hates for good reasons, to investigate a series of disappearances.
One of the things I like most about Ace is that he has no delusions about himself. He knows he's not a good guy. He's done awful things in the long centuries of his existence and rightly feels that he is a monster. Only in the past few decades has he slowly started to redeem himself. And he hasn't even noticed it. But the people closest to him have and they keep telling him that he is not just Osiris's pet monster. Ace has to overcome his very nature to be something other than the feared monster and it's a privilege to be a witness of his struggle to beat back the darkness. At the same time he's not turned into a wimp, as many antiheroes do when they decide that they want to be good. It's actually a hard thing to balance writing-wise because the two things generally exclude each other.
Again the only bad thing I can say about the book is that it's too damned short. I feel like a junkie that's never given a full dose. Maybe binge reading all the books in the series once they're all out will be enough? Anyway, if you haven't read this series but like bad boys with godlike power as MC you should definitely pick it up.
August 20, 2016
Ace Dante's life is a convoluted complicated mess. He's been stalked for the past 3 months, Osiris is demanding he fulfill his end of an ill-begotten bargain, business isn't paying the bills, his ex wife is missing & his attention needs to be focused on the matter of missing witches & how they're connected with a specific hieroglyph. What may be the most difficult task yet, Ace Dante is unknowingly determined to live by The Queen of Cats Bastet's last words. Regrettably, "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions" (Henry G. Bohn's A Hand-book of Proverbs, 1855) & being more than darkness comes steeped in blood & pain. It's especially painful when meddling in Ace Dante's destiny is the gods favorite pastime. The Soul Eater's only goal is to survive the gods machinations but at what cost to his soul?
I was quickly transported into the Soul Eater's world. Pippa DaCosta continues to write the unlucky Ace Dante into the most morally depraved situations while maintaining the antihero just this side of "right". How many pieces of Ace's soul will crumble before he's left with nothing but a black hole? IDK but it makes for an incredibly enthralling story. I devoured (pun intended) Witches' Bane (Soul Eater, #2) in one sitting & look forward to See No Evil (Soul Eater #3) in November 2016. Pippa DaCosta's Soul Eater series has quickly become one of my favorites. This series IMO truly showcases Pippa's talent, her ability to write a captivating story featuring an MC as churlish as Ace Dante with the added difficulties of a lower page count really impresses me. I certainly will continue to follow this series & highly recommend it to any UF fans with interest in mythology. 4 stars.
The eARC for Witches' Bane (Soul Eater, #2) was kindly provided to me by the Author Pippa DaCosta in exchange for an honest review.
I was quickly transported into the Soul Eater's world. Pippa DaCosta continues to write the unlucky Ace Dante into the most morally depraved situations while maintaining the antihero just this side of "right". How many pieces of Ace's soul will crumble before he's left with nothing but a black hole? IDK but it makes for an incredibly enthralling story. I devoured (pun intended) Witches' Bane (Soul Eater, #2) in one sitting & look forward to See No Evil (Soul Eater #3) in November 2016. Pippa DaCosta's Soul Eater series has quickly become one of my favorites. This series IMO truly showcases Pippa's talent, her ability to write a captivating story featuring an MC as churlish as Ace Dante with the added difficulties of a lower page count really impresses me. I certainly will continue to follow this series & highly recommend it to any UF fans with interest in mythology. 4 stars.
The eARC for Witches' Bane (Soul Eater, #2) was kindly provided to me by the Author Pippa DaCosta in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2020
Witches Blade is good, damn good. Good character development, compelling story wrapped in a dark urban fantasy universe. All within a mere 174 pages.
There's no denying that Ace Dante is a monster - leashed by an even bigger monster; the petty, self centered god of the Egyptian pantheon; Osiris.
Over the centuries, Dante has learned dealing with with gods can be bad enough when you've got your wits about you. But when you’re battling self-inflicted amnesia while surrounded by plotting gods and witches that, for some unfathomable reason want you dead, things can get a whole lot worse.
Especially when your nearest and "dearest" is a completely untrustworthy demon sorceress, the stray cat in your house is no cat at all, and the God you're supposed to kill is one step ahead of you...
While there is no denying that the Nameless One is an intriguing guy, I find myself drawn toward another mysterious character. Dante may distrust Shu, probably for a good reason, but she's fast becoming my favorite:
Is nothing sacred to you?” She screwed up her face, my question having offended her. “Life is sacred. Mine, mostly. Not a bunch of inbred assholes with too much power
She has a wonderful way of dealing with the distrust that comes from memory loss and even provides some (unintentional) comical relief.
Witches blade may be fantasy at its darkest and grittiest, but as you turn the pages, you’ll find a story of kick-assery, rebellion, (burgeoning) friendship, and perhaps even a little... more?
This is the perfect series for readers who are tired of fantasy where the hero is always noble and good and the perfect gentleman. Want a downtrodden hero that's a bit of a dick, but the potential to become a complete bad-ass? Then this is the series for you.
4 more than darkness stars.
*I was gifted an eArc in exchange for an honest review*
There's no denying that Ace Dante is a monster - leashed by an even bigger monster; the petty, self centered god of the Egyptian pantheon; Osiris.
Over the centuries, Dante has learned dealing with with gods can be bad enough when you've got your wits about you. But when you’re battling self-inflicted amnesia while surrounded by plotting gods and witches that, for some unfathomable reason want you dead, things can get a whole lot worse.
Especially when your nearest and "dearest" is a completely untrustworthy demon sorceress, the stray cat in your house is no cat at all, and the God you're supposed to kill is one step ahead of you...
While there is no denying that the Nameless One is an intriguing guy, I find myself drawn toward another mysterious character. Dante may distrust Shu, probably for a good reason, but she's fast becoming my favorite:
Is nothing sacred to you?” She screwed up her face, my question having offended her. “Life is sacred. Mine, mostly. Not a bunch of inbred assholes with too much power
She has a wonderful way of dealing with the distrust that comes from memory loss and even provides some (unintentional) comical relief.
Witches blade may be fantasy at its darkest and grittiest, but as you turn the pages, you’ll find a story of kick-assery, rebellion, (burgeoning) friendship, and perhaps even a little... more?
This is the perfect series for readers who are tired of fantasy where the hero is always noble and good and the perfect gentleman. Want a downtrodden hero that's a bit of a dick, but the potential to become a complete bad-ass? Then this is the series for you.
4 more than darkness stars.
*I was gifted an eArc in exchange for an honest review*
April 11, 2024
Every time I read the phrase "More than darkness" my heart broke a little more. I'm sort of hoping for a witch type miracle on that one! And oh the twistiness of those old Egyptian Gods, I'm loving how as the series unfolds so the layers, secrets and manipulations of the gods are revealed.
Ace Dante is such a complex character, and just who exactly is he? We are continually teased about the curse he is living under and about his past wrong doings. Thankfully Ms DaCosta reveals just enough to keep us hooked, but leaving enough in reserve to keep us guessing too. The Soul Eater series must be read in order, each book has a complete story but there is also a story arc running throughout the series.
I'm really enjoying this series so far. There is a well rounded cast of side/supporting characters, a demoness side kick and now a mysterious cat shifter, taking our intrepid duo to a trio. Can't wait to read the next book!
Ace Dante is such a complex character, and just who exactly is he? We are continually teased about the curse he is living under and about his past wrong doings. Thankfully Ms DaCosta reveals just enough to keep us hooked, but leaving enough in reserve to keep us guessing too. The Soul Eater series must be read in order, each book has a complete story but there is also a story arc running throughout the series.
I'm really enjoying this series so far. There is a well rounded cast of side/supporting characters, a demoness side kick and now a mysterious cat shifter, taking our intrepid duo to a trio. Can't wait to read the next book!
August 30, 2016
Witches' Bane is addicting! Just when I think I have a handle on the who, what, and why, Pippa DaCosta pivots and keeps me on my toes. I could have sworn I figured something out at the end of Hidden Blade, but Witches' Bane left me speechless.
Ace Dante can't catch a break. He's got Shu nagging him about taking on more clients to pay the bills and his only real option is taking on the missing Witches. Witches whose body parts just happen to find a way to Ace. And on top of everything, Osiris is still pulling his puppet strings, giving him just three days to kill Thoth.
I think I love this series just as much as The Veil series. Every character is so dynamic and vibrant. I'm completely invested in Ace's journey; for me, there is no getting off this train. But I'm surprised by how much I find myself liking (Yes, I said it. Don't judge me!) Osiris. He's a total enigma and DaCosta does an amazing job of raising questions about his motives that keep me hanging on his every act and word.
If you are looking for an Urban Fantasy with a bit of a darker edge to it, look no further. DaCosta delivers.
*A copy was gifted to CGSR Book Blog in exchange for an honest review*
Ace Dante can't catch a break. He's got Shu nagging him about taking on more clients to pay the bills and his only real option is taking on the missing Witches. Witches whose body parts just happen to find a way to Ace. And on top of everything, Osiris is still pulling his puppet strings, giving him just three days to kill Thoth.
I think I love this series just as much as The Veil series. Every character is so dynamic and vibrant. I'm completely invested in Ace's journey; for me, there is no getting off this train. But I'm surprised by how much I find myself liking (Yes, I said it. Don't judge me!) Osiris. He's a total enigma and DaCosta does an amazing job of raising questions about his motives that keep me hanging on his every act and word.
If you are looking for an Urban Fantasy with a bit of a darker edge to it, look no further. DaCosta delivers.
*A copy was gifted to CGSR Book Blog in exchange for an honest review*
August 27, 2016
Loved it! Witches' Bane is one thrilling, intense and intoxicating read. It has everything that you could want in a paranormal/urban fantasy novel, and more. There's one bad-ass anti hero, a sorceress business partner, back-stabbing egyptian gods, a shape-shifting cat and one ticked off witch. Ms DaCosta's brilliant writing drew me into Dante's dark world and I was held captive, buzzing with adrenaline until the end.
I empathised with Ace and the tough situations that he gets caught up in. With the assistance of Cat and Shu, he has to work out who is killing the witches, and he has three days to kill the god, Thoth or risk Osiris’ wrath. He truly is trying to be the good guy, but it is much harder than he ever imagined.
I am so addicted to this series, and I cannot wait to dive into the next book.
I empathised with Ace and the tough situations that he gets caught up in. With the assistance of Cat and Shu, he has to work out who is killing the witches, and he has three days to kill the god, Thoth or risk Osiris’ wrath. He truly is trying to be the good guy, but it is much harder than he ever imagined.
I am so addicted to this series, and I cannot wait to dive into the next book.
December 19, 2016
"You are Ace Dante," Shukra yelled. "That is your name."
Ace Dante is in trouble. Again. You would think that after five hundred years he would learn to stay off of the gods' radar. Unfortunately even though he tries to stay out of the way, the gods have too many uses for the foundling soul eater enslaved for past sins.
"What's a god but a magically endowed epic asshole with a pedigree"
In Ace and Shu's cases? Master jailer, twisted fuck,and exceptional manipulator.
There is a power struggle happening in the pantheon. A power struggle that lands Ace and his deadly duo (Cat and Shu for our new comers) struggling to figure out what common witches and missing souls have to do with anything. And they are racing against the clock because a soul eater on a rampage would give too many gods exactly what they want...
Once again I am AGOG at the world Pippa DaCosta has created for us!
KickAss Characters?
Intriguing Plot?
Continual World Development?
This book had all three!
"Ace Dante: cursed, but free because of it. I leaned on vodka and helped those who crossed the gods."
Ace remains the bad guy gone good private eye who has a huge chip on his shoulder and main lines vodka to forget about what Osiris and the twisted Isis have done to him.
"She looked at me with a wholly unsettling calmness. Were she a person, I would've said she was about to snap, pull put a gun, and aerate my body. But this was Shu. She had imagination."
DeCosta heard our plea and there is more Shu! Shu is the person I would want to be if I was a demon trapped in a human body with a kabosh on my powers and a soul chained to my enemy- she is still scary! MORE PLEASE!?In this iteration Shu takes a more active role in Dante's troubles. And I have to tell you, this scary bad girl leaves me wondering if she is not so bad after all. Could a sorceress gone buisness associate with a taint on her soul really change after 500 years of torment? (Ace does not think so. But then old dogs have a hard time with new tricks.)
And then there is Cat. As if having an ex wife and multiple gods on your ass is not bad enough, the ex's spy and shape shifter thinks Ace has something to do with said ex's disappearence. And Cat is relentless, has integrity, and WILL find her mistress and kill anyone who gets in the way. Poor schmuck cannot catch a break!
These characters are a winning cast all of the way around! Especially when you factor in Isis's continued machinations and how justice has taken a turn for the worst.
"All I had were my fists and my wits, which had been lackling lately."
Have I mentioned the dialogue yet? No? How remiss of me since it was FREAKING AWESOME!
The reality is that even if it is a pantheon not touched on often, the gods being more evil than good is not a new shtick. But this author managed to take an old hat and make it incredible by quirky, snarky dialogue (internal dialogue counts) and the full bodied characters to match it. Add the continually complex plot line and the ever changing world development and this book was just plan fun!
Recommended for people who want to have a fun adventure with complex characters and Machiavellian machinations.
Ace Dante is in trouble. Again. You would think that after five hundred years he would learn to stay off of the gods' radar. Unfortunately even though he tries to stay out of the way, the gods have too many uses for the foundling soul eater enslaved for past sins.
"What's a god but a magically endowed epic asshole with a pedigree"
In Ace and Shu's cases? Master jailer, twisted fuck,and exceptional manipulator.
There is a power struggle happening in the pantheon. A power struggle that lands Ace and his deadly duo (Cat and Shu for our new comers) struggling to figure out what common witches and missing souls have to do with anything. And they are racing against the clock because a soul eater on a rampage would give too many gods exactly what they want...
Once again I am AGOG at the world Pippa DaCosta has created for us!
KickAss Characters?
Intriguing Plot?
Continual World Development?
This book had all three!
"Ace Dante: cursed, but free because of it. I leaned on vodka and helped those who crossed the gods."
Ace remains the bad guy gone good private eye who has a huge chip on his shoulder and main lines vodka to forget about what Osiris and the twisted Isis have done to him.
"She looked at me with a wholly unsettling calmness. Were she a person, I would've said she was about to snap, pull put a gun, and aerate my body. But this was Shu. She had imagination."
DeCosta heard our plea and there is more Shu! Shu is the person I would want to be if I was a demon trapped in a human body with a kabosh on my powers and a soul chained to my enemy- she is still scary! MORE PLEASE!?In this iteration Shu takes a more active role in Dante's troubles. And I have to tell you, this scary bad girl leaves me wondering if she is not so bad after all. Could a sorceress gone buisness associate with a taint on her soul really change after 500 years of torment? (Ace does not think so. But then old dogs have a hard time with new tricks.)
And then there is Cat. As if having an ex wife and multiple gods on your ass is not bad enough, the ex's spy and shape shifter thinks Ace has something to do with said ex's disappearence. And Cat is relentless, has integrity, and WILL find her mistress and kill anyone who gets in the way. Poor schmuck cannot catch a break!
These characters are a winning cast all of the way around! Especially when you factor in Isis's continued machinations and how justice has taken a turn for the worst.
"All I had were my fists and my wits, which had been lackling lately."
Have I mentioned the dialogue yet? No? How remiss of me since it was FREAKING AWESOME!
The reality is that even if it is a pantheon not touched on often, the gods being more evil than good is not a new shtick. But this author managed to take an old hat and make it incredible by quirky, snarky dialogue (internal dialogue counts) and the full bodied characters to match it. Add the continually complex plot line and the ever changing world development and this book was just plan fun!
Recommended for people who want to have a fun adventure with complex characters and Machiavellian machinations.
September 24, 2016
The adventure continues
like every other book by Pippa Dacosta this one is a roller coaster filled with action, badassness, some great female characters that will kick ass and make you weep in joy, and Ace being Ace, the Soul Eater, the God killer.
considering the high painful note the first book ended in I was wondering what will happen now... thankfully, Pippa didn't do the obvious. though I hope that eventually she will at the moment she didn't and it was great. I have complete faith in Pippa that when she finally do that thing it all be the most natural thing in the world. of course there will be hell to pay and it will be an awful journey but damn...
it was awesome also good how Pippa taunted is with Bast name and referencing to her many times.
what can I really say?
Pippa Dacosta is awesome and she writes awesome books with complicated characters and interesting worlds and myths I just love reading.
also, Pippa knows how to write fucked up characters, but the real amazing thing is how she manages for each fucked up character to be uniquely fucked up all on her own, no repeats. each is very unique and stands alone in that special brand of fucked up ness.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. thank you the ever awesome Pippa Dacosta for the opportunity.
this review had been delayed for personal reasons. but now I'm back! Hear me roar.
also, I've finally put my hands on a paperback copy of the two books in the soul eater series.
like every other book by Pippa Dacosta this one is a roller coaster filled with action, badassness, some great female characters that will kick ass and make you weep in joy, and Ace being Ace, the Soul Eater, the God killer.
considering the high painful note the first book ended in I was wondering what will happen now... thankfully, Pippa didn't do the obvious. though I hope that eventually she will at the moment she didn't and it was great. I have complete faith in Pippa that when she finally do that thing it all be the most natural thing in the world. of course there will be hell to pay and it will be an awful journey but damn...
it was awesome also good how Pippa taunted is with Bast name and referencing to her many times.
what can I really say?
Pippa Dacosta is awesome and she writes awesome books with complicated characters and interesting worlds and myths I just love reading.
also, Pippa knows how to write fucked up characters, but the real amazing thing is how she manages for each fucked up character to be uniquely fucked up all on her own, no repeats. each is very unique and stands alone in that special brand of fucked up ness.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. thank you the ever awesome Pippa Dacosta for the opportunity.
this review had been delayed for personal reasons. but now I'm back! Hear me roar.
also, I've finally put my hands on a paperback copy of the two books in the soul eater series.
August 24, 2016
Yet another fast paced, action filled, emotional roller coaster novel from Pippa DaCosta. Having had had his untrustworthy sorceress demon and business partner Shu wipe his memories at the end of book one, Ace Dante, aka the nameless one and more recently Godkiller, can quite honestly tell the house cat who has moved into his office for the past few weeks that he has no idea where his ex wife, the goddess Bast is. Cat, who just happens to be more than you think decides to hang around , just in case.... Just as well because someone or something is messing with Aces head and the results are not good. More and more he slips away from himself and has no explanation why. Does he trust Shu enough to help him trace the source? Can he stop killing and become his new self again and continue the search for his ex wife of will he slip back to the becoming the soul eater. This book is packed with so much action I couldn't put it down from start to finish... Ok normally I'm like that with a new DaCosta novel but this was the leaves you like the cat that got the cream (or vodka!)
The third novel cannot come quick enough. Highly recommended!!!
(This is a very excitable and honest review in advance for an free advance reader copy)
The third novel cannot come quick enough. Highly recommended!!!
(This is a very excitable and honest review in advance for an free advance reader copy)
June 5, 2019
***** I received this ARC from Pippa Dacosta for free in return for an honest review *****
My, my, my...... This story was even better than the first! I love this authors writing style, she immerses you in the storyline, the events unfolding, and the characters and leaves on your toes waiting to see what happens next! The only criticism I have of the entire story is that the interaction between Ace and Osiris is getting to be same old, same old. That being said, the story wouldn't be the same without the conflict between the two. I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens in the next book, and eagerly look forward to it!!
My, my, my...... This story was even better than the first! I love this authors writing style, she immerses you in the storyline, the events unfolding, and the characters and leaves on your toes waiting to see what happens next! The only criticism I have of the entire story is that the interaction between Ace and Osiris is getting to be same old, same old. That being said, the story wouldn't be the same without the conflict between the two. I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens in the next book, and eagerly look forward to it!!
August 20, 2016
Book One, Hidden Blade, had me on the edge of my seat and wanting more and Witches' Bane did not disappoint! Love this series and can't wait to get my hands on more Ace Dante!
August 27, 2016
I received ARC of Witch's Bane from the author in exchange for an honest review. Witch's Bane is the second book in the Soul Eater series and is a great follow up to the fist book, Hidden Blade. It has a lot of twists, turns and is full of heart pounding action that you always get with Pippa's books. The one thing that I disliked is the weird lust thing Ace has for Isis. I found it a little gross and feel like it does not add anything to the story. Isis is the least interesting female character in the book. We have Cat, Shu and Bast who are much more complex and fascinating, so I would rather read about them than Isis. Of course Pippa is a master manipulator so I am sure there is a good reason and a plan behind Ace's and Isis' weird chemistry but I just did not want to read about it. I am still looking forward to the next book in the series. I am hoping Pippa will bring back a certain character who has a good influence on Ace.
December 8, 2016
WHAT.JUST.HAPPENED?
RTC
November 3, 2019
I think I liked this volume even more than the first one - and that is due to Shu and Cat. They both are such fabulous, kick-ass, sassy characters. The plot itself is entertaining - although sometimes it would be nice to have some recreation time between all the fights and action. But that's me being really picky ;)
March 22, 2019
Good
Great writing and a good premise.
Ace is still under osiris hold and he has to fulfill their bargain. He finds out he has some kind of course on him to help fulfill that bargain.
Quick easy read that is fast paced.
Great writing and a good premise.
Ace is still under osiris hold and he has to fulfill their bargain. He finds out he has some kind of course on him to help fulfill that bargain.
Quick easy read that is fast paced.
April 26, 2024
Thoth said that she had loved her brother husband. That statement kept rattling around in my mind. Then after book 1...I see where she would have issues with her husband king.
But what makes the soul eater so special? Now that's a question I hope to get more information on or abouts
But what makes the soul eater so special? Now that's a question I hope to get more information on or abouts
January 9, 2022
What a delicious mind f*ck! I loved it! Immensely!
August 27, 2016
Witches’ Bane Soul Eater Series Book 2 review
I received an ARC copy of Witches’ Bane by Pippa DaCosta for review. This is book 2 in the Soul Eater Series. I will tell you that I read this book in 24 hours-that’s how good it is.
When we left Ace, Bastet (the Queen of Cats) had convinced him to help her find out who is killing the witches in New York City. And a green-eyed black cat has taken up residence in his office. He’s got no idea where the cat came from, or how to get rid of it. He’s also agreed to kill a god in return for a favor from Osiris.
Witches’ Bane picks up about 3 months later. Ace still has the black cat, and he still hasn’t killed that god for Osiris. While at a red carpet event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in a borrowed suit (from Osiris, of course), a magic tablet (belonging to guess who?) on loan is stolen. Ace is compelled to retrieve it. With a little help from a black cat, he is able to get the tablet back, but now, a whole new mystery opens up. Who stole the tablet? Why did they steal it? Does it have something to do with god Ace is supposed to kill? And by the way, where is Bastet? He hasn’t seen her in weeks.
Witches are still being killed, and when one of them shows up with the severed arm of the witch that was his girlfriend, Ace finally gets involved. His partner, Shukra, is able to trace the magic on the severed arm to the killer-and now things are really getting weird.
Pippa DaCost has totally hooked me on this series. I can’t say enough about how well she writes, how well her characters are developed, and how well they grow. Pippa is the Queen of surprise and twists. As I said at the beginning of this review, it only took me 24 hours to finish this book. Read Hidden Blade: Soul Eater #1 first though. It will be a big help to have that back story before you read Book 2. Sit and ENJOY this 5 star story!
Independent Reviewer
Jackie Huntington
I received an ARC copy of Witches’ Bane by Pippa DaCosta for review. This is book 2 in the Soul Eater Series. I will tell you that I read this book in 24 hours-that’s how good it is.
When we left Ace, Bastet (the Queen of Cats) had convinced him to help her find out who is killing the witches in New York City. And a green-eyed black cat has taken up residence in his office. He’s got no idea where the cat came from, or how to get rid of it. He’s also agreed to kill a god in return for a favor from Osiris.
Witches’ Bane picks up about 3 months later. Ace still has the black cat, and he still hasn’t killed that god for Osiris. While at a red carpet event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in a borrowed suit (from Osiris, of course), a magic tablet (belonging to guess who?) on loan is stolen. Ace is compelled to retrieve it. With a little help from a black cat, he is able to get the tablet back, but now, a whole new mystery opens up. Who stole the tablet? Why did they steal it? Does it have something to do with god Ace is supposed to kill? And by the way, where is Bastet? He hasn’t seen her in weeks.
Witches are still being killed, and when one of them shows up with the severed arm of the witch that was his girlfriend, Ace finally gets involved. His partner, Shukra, is able to trace the magic on the severed arm to the killer-and now things are really getting weird.
Pippa DaCost has totally hooked me on this series. I can’t say enough about how well she writes, how well her characters are developed, and how well they grow. Pippa is the Queen of surprise and twists. As I said at the beginning of this review, it only took me 24 hours to finish this book. Read Hidden Blade: Soul Eater #1 first though. It will be a big help to have that back story before you read Book 2. Sit and ENJOY this 5 star story!
Independent Reviewer
Jackie Huntington
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