What do you think?
Rate this book
Soulwood #3
Flame in the Dark
Set in the same world as Faith Hunter’s New York Times bestselling Jane Yellowrock novels, the third, thrilling Soulwood novel stars Nell Ingram, who draws her powers from deep within the earth.
Nell Ingram has always known she was different. Since she was a child, she’s been able to feel and channel ancient powers from deep within the earth. When she met Jane Yellowrock, her entire life changed, and she was recruited into PsyLED—the Homeland Security division that polices paranormals. But now her newly formed unit is about to take on its toughest case yet.
A powerful senator barely survives an assassination attempt that leaves many others dead—and the house he was visiting burns to the ground. Invisible to security cameras, the assassin literally disappears, and Nell’s team is called in. As they track a killer they know is more—or less—than human, they unravel a web of dark intrigue and malevolent motives that tests them to their limits and beyond.
Nell Ingram has always known she was different. Since she was a child, she’s been able to feel and channel ancient powers from deep within the earth. When she met Jane Yellowrock, her entire life changed, and she was recruited into PsyLED—the Homeland Security division that polices paranormals. But now her newly formed unit is about to take on its toughest case yet.
A powerful senator barely survives an assassination attempt that leaves many others dead—and the house he was visiting burns to the ground. Invisible to security cameras, the assassin literally disappears, and Nell’s team is called in. As they track a killer they know is more—or less—than human, they unravel a web of dark intrigue and malevolent motives that tests them to their limits and beyond.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2017
468 people are currently reading
1923 people want to read
About the author
Faith Hunter
90 books5,715 followersFaith Hunter's Junkyard Cats novella series is available in Audible, eBook, and "ridiculously expensive" (her words) trade paperback books at this time.
Faith's Jane Yellowrock series is a dark urban fantasy. Jane is a full blooded Cherokee skinwalker and hunter of rogue-vampires in a world of weres, witches, vampires, and other supernats. 15 books and several compilations of shorts
The Soulwood series is a dark-urban fantasy / paranormal police procedural /para-thriller series featuring Nell Nicholson Ingram, an earth magic user and Special gent of PsyLED. 6 books
Her Rogue Mage novels—Bloodring, Seraphs, Host, and the RPG Rogue Mage—feature Thorn St. Croix, a stone mage in a post-apocalyptic alternate reality.
Faith is a full time writer who finally hired a housekeeper when the dust bunnies multiplied, She bakes homemade bread and loves to cook.
Faith researches in great detail, and tries most everything her characters do. Research led to her life’s passions – jewelry making, orchids, Japanese maples, bones, travel, white-water kayaking, and writing.
Faith loves orchids. Her favorite time of year is when several are blooming. Pictures can be seen at her FaceBook page. And yes, she collects bones and skulls. She has a fox, cat, dog, cow skull, goat, a boar skull, a deer skull, (that is, unfortunately, falling apart) and the jawbone of an ass. Her prize skull is a mountain lion (legally purchased from a US tannery) hit by a car in the wild.
Her latest love is Japanese maples, and she has managed to collect over thirty.
She and her husband RV, traveling to whitewater rivers to kayak all over the Southeast. Whitewater Kayaking is her very favorite sport, discovered when she was researching her (Gwen Hunter) mystery book, Rapid Descent. She took a lesson and—after a bout of panic attacks from fear of being upside down trapped in a boat—discovered she loved the sport.
Under other pen names, notably, Gwen Hunter, she writes action adventure, mysteries, and thrillers. As Gwen, she is a winner of the WH Smith Literary Award for Fresh Talent in 1995 in the UK, and won a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award in 2008. As Faith, her books have been on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller lists, been nominated for various awards and won an Audie Award with Khristine Hvam, among other awards. Under all her pen names, she has more than 40 books, anthologies, and complications in print in 30 countries.
For more, including a list of her books, see www.faithhunter.net , www.gwenhunter.com . To keep up with her daily, join her fan pages at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/official.fait... and see her website blog at
www.faithhunter.net
Faith's Jane Yellowrock series is a dark urban fantasy. Jane is a full blooded Cherokee skinwalker and hunter of rogue-vampires in a world of weres, witches, vampires, and other supernats. 15 books and several compilations of shorts
The Soulwood series is a dark-urban fantasy / paranormal police procedural /para-thriller series featuring Nell Nicholson Ingram, an earth magic user and Special gent of PsyLED. 6 books
Her Rogue Mage novels—Bloodring, Seraphs, Host, and the RPG Rogue Mage—feature Thorn St. Croix, a stone mage in a post-apocalyptic alternate reality.
Faith is a full time writer who finally hired a housekeeper when the dust bunnies multiplied, She bakes homemade bread and loves to cook.
Faith researches in great detail, and tries most everything her characters do. Research led to her life’s passions – jewelry making, orchids, Japanese maples, bones, travel, white-water kayaking, and writing.
Faith loves orchids. Her favorite time of year is when several are blooming. Pictures can be seen at her FaceBook page. And yes, she collects bones and skulls. She has a fox, cat, dog, cow skull, goat, a boar skull, a deer skull, (that is, unfortunately, falling apart) and the jawbone of an ass. Her prize skull is a mountain lion (legally purchased from a US tannery) hit by a car in the wild.
Her latest love is Japanese maples, and she has managed to collect over thirty.
She and her husband RV, traveling to whitewater rivers to kayak all over the Southeast. Whitewater Kayaking is her very favorite sport, discovered when she was researching her (Gwen Hunter) mystery book, Rapid Descent. She took a lesson and—after a bout of panic attacks from fear of being upside down trapped in a boat—discovered she loved the sport.
Under other pen names, notably, Gwen Hunter, she writes action adventure, mysteries, and thrillers. As Gwen, she is a winner of the WH Smith Literary Award for Fresh Talent in 1995 in the UK, and won a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award in 2008. As Faith, her books have been on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller lists, been nominated for various awards and won an Audie Award with Khristine Hvam, among other awards. Under all her pen names, she has more than 40 books, anthologies, and complications in print in 30 countries.
For more, including a list of her books, see www.faithhunter.net , www.gwenhunter.com . To keep up with her daily, join her fan pages at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/official.fait... and see her website blog at
www.faithhunter.net
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 504 reviews
March 25, 2018
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
HOO boy.
I’ve been an advocate for Faith Hunter’s SOULWOOD series since the first book. That being said, Hunter hits her stride in FLAME IN THE DARK.
When a senator’s home is attacked during a gathering of Knoxville’s prominent citizens, the local law enforcement doesn’t think the crime was perpetrated by, or directed at supernaturals, but Nell’s PsyLED team is called in due to the presence of Ming Glass, the numero uno vampire of the city.
A good thing too, b/c when Nell “looks things over” as only she can, she discovers a villain who is her antithesis.
Everywhere it stepped the plants are dying or dead in a way Nell can do nothing to stop. The damage is irreparable. The death as permanent as if the earth had been salted in the unknown creature’s wake.
For one with a tangible connection to growing things, this is understandably upsetting.
As a reader with no connection to growing things whatsoever (I can’t even keep a rubber tree alive—Seriously, I’ve managed to kill at least two of them), this thing joins the ranks of most sinister villains ever. For real. It’s death incarnate. How do you kill death incarnate? Can it be killed?
Fortunately for everyone involved, Nell keeps her head better than I did, methodically researching the people involved and narrowing the list of potential creatures down to half a dozen options, and that’s when things get interesting.
You: Interesting how?
Me: Interesting in that one of the possibilities makes Soul, the heretofore unflappable Assistant Director of PsyLED, lose her damn mind.
So that’s fun. Especially when Nell doesn’t hesitate to suggest that Soul remove herself from the investigation as her emotional involvement may prevent her from dealing with the creature(s) according to PsyLED policy (rather than just killing it/them with fire).
Nell might talk real country, and she’s usually pretty laid back, but dollface has a spine of steel.
In her own way, Nell is every bit as badass as Jane Yellowrock, and that becomes clear in this installment.
Also clearly defined by FinD is Nell’s relationship with Occam.
In the prior books, neither his interest nor Nell’s discomfort (at the feelings his interest evoked) were secret, but there wasn’t sufficient development for me to be emotionally invested in the final outcome.
That is no longer the case. #ishipit
Also, also, various side plots that have been flailing since they were introduced have been resolved:
All in all a satisfying and eventful chapter in the story that is Nell Nicholson Ingram. SO. If you love urban fantasy and you haven’t already started reading SOULWOOD, get on that immediately. If you wait much longer, you’ll start complaining about the number of installments to get caught up on, but you won’t be able to blame anyone but yourself, and who needs that kind of self-inflicted regret? NOT YOU. If you aren’t new to Nell, but for unfathomable reasons have fallen behind, now is the time to play catch up. Seriously. You’ll be missing out on ALL THE THINGS if you don’t. Highly recommended.
HOO boy.
I’ve been an advocate for Faith Hunter’s SOULWOOD series since the first book. That being said, Hunter hits her stride in FLAME IN THE DARK.
When a senator’s home is attacked during a gathering of Knoxville’s prominent citizens, the local law enforcement doesn’t think the crime was perpetrated by, or directed at supernaturals, but Nell’s PsyLED team is called in due to the presence of Ming Glass, the numero uno vampire of the city.
A good thing too, b/c when Nell “looks things over” as only she can, she discovers a villain who is her antithesis.
Everywhere it stepped the plants are dying or dead in a way Nell can do nothing to stop. The damage is irreparable. The death as permanent as if the earth had been salted in the unknown creature’s wake.
For one with a tangible connection to growing things, this is understandably upsetting.
As a reader with no connection to growing things whatsoever (I can’t even keep a rubber tree alive—Seriously, I’ve managed to kill at least two of them), this thing joins the ranks of most sinister villains ever. For real. It’s death incarnate. How do you kill death incarnate? Can it be killed?
Fortunately for everyone involved, Nell keeps her head better than I did, methodically researching the people involved and narrowing the list of potential creatures down to half a dozen options, and that’s when things get interesting.
You: Interesting how?
Me: Interesting in that one of the possibilities makes Soul, the heretofore unflappable Assistant Director of PsyLED, lose her damn mind.
So that’s fun. Especially when Nell doesn’t hesitate to suggest that Soul remove herself from the investigation as her emotional involvement may prevent her from dealing with the creature(s) according to PsyLED policy (rather than just killing it/them with fire).
Nell might talk real country, and she’s usually pretty laid back, but dollface has a spine of steel.
In her own way, Nell is every bit as badass as Jane Yellowrock, and that becomes clear in this installment.
Also clearly defined by FinD is Nell’s relationship with Occam.
In the prior books, neither his interest nor Nell’s discomfort (at the feelings his interest evoked) were secret, but there wasn’t sufficient development for me to be emotionally invested in the final outcome.
That is no longer the case. #ishipit
Also, also, various side plots that have been flailing since they were introduced have been resolved:
All in all a satisfying and eventful chapter in the story that is Nell Nicholson Ingram. SO. If you love urban fantasy and you haven’t already started reading SOULWOOD, get on that immediately. If you wait much longer, you’ll start complaining about the number of installments to get caught up on, but you won’t be able to blame anyone but yourself, and who needs that kind of self-inflicted regret? NOT YOU. If you aren’t new to Nell, but for unfathomable reasons have fallen behind, now is the time to play catch up. Seriously. You’ll be missing out on ALL THE THINGS if you don’t. Highly recommended.
December 12, 2017
Faith Hunter does a few things really well. One of them is having strong female characters that struggle in their personal lives due to their pasts. Nell Ingram isn’t Jane Yellowrock she doesn’t kick butt in a conventional fighting kind of way but she is still dangerous and a force to be reckoned with as well as someone that needs to be protected. Jane is a shapeshifter and Nell is something different. The way she can talk to the land, pull energy from or give it to the land is different than anything I’ve read.
Nell is a special blend of sheltered and worldly. She can be so innocent in some ways but has learned to be completely jaded in others and because of her past growing up in a polygamist church I have this deep desire for her to be wooed and cherished by someone who can really love her.
If there is a man who can be patient enough for Nell I think it is Occam and I’m content with the direction that part of the story is taking. This is a book of personal growth for Nell one where she has to chose if she is going to try something new and break away from all the patterns of her youth and the long term culture of polygamy she grew up with OR will she return to something familiar and easy even if she knows that it isn’t really right. I think this shows well that just because you escape being a victim the long term psychological effects linger and sometimes those old patterns can sneak back in without you noticing or you overcorrect accidentally. It takes time to find a good balance and this is Nell’s book to do just that.
The main plot line of the story was a little more crazy. There have been a rash of attacks that include both gunshots and fire involving some high profile people. Our team needs to sort out who the actual targets are and figure out who is trying to assassinate them before they end up with a slew of dead bodies. For the longest time I was clueless to what was going on with this. It seemed all over the place, but that is how the characters felt too so I guess that is where I was supposed to be.
I like that Faith Hunter comes up with some very new species and lore to go with them. The true culprits and the reasons behind them were original and interesting. It just took a while to clue into where she was taking that section of the story.
My only complaint is that sometimes this book felt jumpy. Transitions between scenes didn’t flow fantastically at times for me and on occasion it felt like a patchwork quilt being stitched together.
Overall I think that Soulwood is a solid UF series. I’ve enjoyed our time with Nell and the kind of creature she is discovering what she can do. Every book we get in a little deeper and that is the part of the story I like the most, that and a potential romance for Nell. Faith Hunter has grown a lot as a writer and I look forward to continuing the story she has decided to tell us.
Psst just for you Occam fans out there
Nell is a special blend of sheltered and worldly. She can be so innocent in some ways but has learned to be completely jaded in others and because of her past growing up in a polygamist church I have this deep desire for her to be wooed and cherished by someone who can really love her.
I said, “John pretty much took what he wanted. He wasn’t mean. He jist— just— wasn’t kind or gentle.”
“Hell, Nell.” Occam’s eyes darkened. “You never been romanced?”
If there is a man who can be patient enough for Nell I think it is Occam and I’m content with the direction that part of the story is taking. This is a book of personal growth for Nell one where she has to chose if she is going to try something new and break away from all the patterns of her youth and the long term culture of polygamy she grew up with OR will she return to something familiar and easy even if she knows that it isn’t really right. I think this shows well that just because you escape being a victim the long term psychological effects linger and sometimes those old patterns can sneak back in without you noticing or you overcorrect accidentally. It takes time to find a good balance and this is Nell’s book to do just that.
”…I don’t want you to be anything other than what you want to be, Nell. Question is, do you want to go back to what’s old and safe or try what’s new and adventurous? You want the easy way or the hard way? The easy way is to keep being a churchwoman. I’m new. I’m different. I’ll be hard to date. And I’m not your church.”
The main plot line of the story was a little more crazy. There have been a rash of attacks that include both gunshots and fire involving some high profile people. Our team needs to sort out who the actual targets are and figure out who is trying to assassinate them before they end up with a slew of dead bodies. For the longest time I was clueless to what was going on with this. It seemed all over the place, but that is how the characters felt too so I guess that is where I was supposed to be.
I like that Faith Hunter comes up with some very new species and lore to go with them. The true culprits and the reasons behind them were original and interesting. It just took a while to clue into where she was taking that section of the story.
My only complaint is that sometimes this book felt jumpy. Transitions between scenes didn’t flow fantastically at times for me and on occasion it felt like a patchwork quilt being stitched together.
Overall I think that Soulwood is a solid UF series. I’ve enjoyed our time with Nell and the kind of creature she is discovering what she can do. Every book we get in a little deeper and that is the part of the story I like the most, that and a potential romance for Nell. Faith Hunter has grown a lot as a writer and I look forward to continuing the story she has decided to tell us.
Psst just for you Occam fans out there
April 22, 2018
Total. Book. Hangover. I immediately started this entire series all over again because I just can not get enough of Hunter’s Soulwood characters. Yes, I did re-read Flame in the Dark and I’m sure I will be re-reading it again! It was that good!
Nell raised as a “churchwoman” and now a probe member of the SciLED team is using her cunning and ability to see past the norm to solve complex crimes. I love how she uses her churchwoman speak to her advantage and carefully conceals her genius intelligence. Hunter writes characters that evolve right before our eyes and Nell is one of my favorites.
Flame in the Dark blends an urban fantasy, suspense thriller, and paranormal romance all in one and I absolutely LOVED IT.
I received this ARC copy of Flame in the Dark from Berkley Publishing Group - Ace. This is my honest and voluntary review. Flame in the Dark is set for publication Dec. 5, 2017.
My Rating: 5 Stars
Written by: Faith Hunter
Series: A Soulwood Novel
Sequence in Series: Book 3
Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Ace
Publication Date: December 5, 2017
ISBN-10: 0451473337
ISBN-13: 978-0451473332
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/flam...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Flame-Soulwood...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flam...
Don't Miss Tome Tender's Blog Tour Post December 5, 2017 *Enter the Rafflecopter for a chance to win one of 3 sets of the 1st and 2nd Soulwood Books ( BLOOD OF THE EARTH and CURSE ON THE LAND ) or one $50 Amazon gift card (US residents only)
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Nell raised as a “churchwoman” and now a probe member of the SciLED team is using her cunning and ability to see past the norm to solve complex crimes. I love how she uses her churchwoman speak to her advantage and carefully conceals her genius intelligence. Hunter writes characters that evolve right before our eyes and Nell is one of my favorites.
Flame in the Dark blends an urban fantasy, suspense thriller, and paranormal romance all in one and I absolutely LOVED IT.
I received this ARC copy of Flame in the Dark from Berkley Publishing Group - Ace. This is my honest and voluntary review. Flame in the Dark is set for publication Dec. 5, 2017.
My Rating: 5 Stars
Written by: Faith Hunter
Series: A Soulwood Novel
Sequence in Series: Book 3
Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Ace
Publication Date: December 5, 2017
ISBN-10: 0451473337
ISBN-13: 978-0451473332
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/flam...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Flame-Soulwood...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flam...
Don't Miss Tome Tender's Blog Tour Post December 5, 2017 *Enter the Rafflecopter for a chance to win one of 3 sets of the 1st and 2nd Soulwood Books ( BLOOD OF THE EARTH and CURSE ON THE LAND ) or one $50 Amazon gift card (US residents only)
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 9, 2017
*** 4.25 ***
A buddy read with my GR family in the Wednesday UF group @ BB&B!
Faith Hunter is one of the most reliable UF authors out there. You can count on her to deliver a solid, imaginative, engaging and addictive read and this is the reason I have everything she has ever written and plan on reading everything she comes up with in the future. I love Jane Yellowrock, but come on, everyone can fall in love with a kick-ass shifter assassin and all together superior warrior like Jane, she is easy to fall for because we all want to be like her. It is much harder to pull-off a character like Nell, a very complex mixture of vulnerability and internal strength, which has very little to do with kicking ass and taking names, but touches on the more emotional side of being a strong person. Nell is more prickly to love, because she is very much like us, with all her failings and insecurities, trying to make it in a very male dominated world while being raised to accept that domination and even cherish it, having been indoctrinated in that the wright way is to keep the status quo. The older generation of us women are very familiar with that and the strength of character and will it takes to shake off those cultural chains and find ourselves and our own places in the Real World... And with as much of barriers we have already broken down, that glass sealing steal feels out of reach... Well, this series follows this young woman going her way about finding that place that belongs to only her and not for any other reason but that she has worked her behind off to create it, not because someone else has put her in it. Add to it the plant magic that is in her blood and reeling to bud out, Nell is the perfect addition as a probationary agent for the PsyLED magical FED unit, lead by a Light Dragon named Soul, and shared with some very cool cats, an empath, a witch, and some tech specialists, making them the unit which solves the crimes involving magical creatures.
This time around a Senator's family has been under attack by shooters and fire, killing many and the ones left are under the government's protection while PsyLED is trying to fins a motive and the culprits. Nell is still learning, carting coffee to her coworkers and trying to figure out how to reconcile her attraction to her colleague and shifter friend Occam, who is trying to show her that men and women can be gentle and friendly with each other, not just use each other like a designated male and female... Kind of heart-breaking her history with marriage and relationships as a whole...
The action was very interesting, the writing superb as usual, and the creatures and overall world as imaginative as could be!! I would recommend this read to everyone who enjoys a sensitive, well written character with complex background and development as fascinating as it is painful to go through, without leaving you sad and melancholy... A truly alive figure whom you could find something to relate with!!!
Now I wish you all Happy Reading and may you always find what you need in the pages of a good Book!!!
A buddy read with my GR family in the Wednesday UF group @ BB&B!
Faith Hunter is one of the most reliable UF authors out there. You can count on her to deliver a solid, imaginative, engaging and addictive read and this is the reason I have everything she has ever written and plan on reading everything she comes up with in the future. I love Jane Yellowrock, but come on, everyone can fall in love with a kick-ass shifter assassin and all together superior warrior like Jane, she is easy to fall for because we all want to be like her. It is much harder to pull-off a character like Nell, a very complex mixture of vulnerability and internal strength, which has very little to do with kicking ass and taking names, but touches on the more emotional side of being a strong person. Nell is more prickly to love, because she is very much like us, with all her failings and insecurities, trying to make it in a very male dominated world while being raised to accept that domination and even cherish it, having been indoctrinated in that the wright way is to keep the status quo. The older generation of us women are very familiar with that and the strength of character and will it takes to shake off those cultural chains and find ourselves and our own places in the Real World... And with as much of barriers we have already broken down, that glass sealing steal feels out of reach... Well, this series follows this young woman going her way about finding that place that belongs to only her and not for any other reason but that she has worked her behind off to create it, not because someone else has put her in it. Add to it the plant magic that is in her blood and reeling to bud out, Nell is the perfect addition as a probationary agent for the PsyLED magical FED unit, lead by a Light Dragon named Soul, and shared with some very cool cats, an empath, a witch, and some tech specialists, making them the unit which solves the crimes involving magical creatures.
This time around a Senator's family has been under attack by shooters and fire, killing many and the ones left are under the government's protection while PsyLED is trying to fins a motive and the culprits. Nell is still learning, carting coffee to her coworkers and trying to figure out how to reconcile her attraction to her colleague and shifter friend Occam, who is trying to show her that men and women can be gentle and friendly with each other, not just use each other like a designated male and female... Kind of heart-breaking her history with marriage and relationships as a whole...
The action was very interesting, the writing superb as usual, and the creatures and overall world as imaginative as could be!! I would recommend this read to everyone who enjoys a sensitive, well written character with complex background and development as fascinating as it is painful to go through, without leaving you sad and melancholy... A truly alive figure whom you could find something to relate with!!!
Now I wish you all Happy Reading and may you always find what you need in the pages of a good Book!!!
January 9, 2018
Faith Hunter continues her exceptional Soulwood series with this very entertaining 2017 publication.
I like Soulwood for the same reasons I like Terry Pratchett’s witch books – I like that the strong female characters are independent and are impressive with their work-related skills. Pratchett described Granny Weatherwax and Tiffany Aching as accomplished and powerful witches who used their formidable powers sparingly; most of the magic they demonstrated was of the domestic and practical kind – midwifery, husbandry and various and sundry kinds of stewardship that made lives around them better and more healthy and secure.
Nell Ingram, late of the God’s Cloud Church in Eastern Tennessee is now a capable law enforcement agent working for PsyLED – but she still lives on her mountain home amidst her claimed land, still boils water for tea, feeds the cats, bakes bread, tends the plants, and handles whatever comes her way in a self-assured and proficient way. "She can skin a buck and run a trotline, cuz country folks can survive."
This latest edition of the series finds Nell and the other members of Unit Eighteen trying to solve some strange goings on in Knoxville involving some assassination attempts and some peculiar fire. Meanwhile Hunter continues to develop the characters and this outstanding world building, sharing the same universe as her Jane Yellowrock stories.
What is Nell? She’s not a witch. Is she a dryad, a wood nymph, or something like that? Hunter also continues to develop her magic building in an X-Man like scenario of “what the hell kind of creature are you?” Any urban fantasy that makes me break out my ancient edition of Deities and Demigods: Cyclopedia of Gods and Heroes from Myth and Legend has my attention and admiration. She’s on to something really cool.
Recommended.
*** A free copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review
I like Soulwood for the same reasons I like Terry Pratchett’s witch books – I like that the strong female characters are independent and are impressive with their work-related skills. Pratchett described Granny Weatherwax and Tiffany Aching as accomplished and powerful witches who used their formidable powers sparingly; most of the magic they demonstrated was of the domestic and practical kind – midwifery, husbandry and various and sundry kinds of stewardship that made lives around them better and more healthy and secure.
Nell Ingram, late of the God’s Cloud Church in Eastern Tennessee is now a capable law enforcement agent working for PsyLED – but she still lives on her mountain home amidst her claimed land, still boils water for tea, feeds the cats, bakes bread, tends the plants, and handles whatever comes her way in a self-assured and proficient way. "She can skin a buck and run a trotline, cuz country folks can survive."
This latest edition of the series finds Nell and the other members of Unit Eighteen trying to solve some strange goings on in Knoxville involving some assassination attempts and some peculiar fire. Meanwhile Hunter continues to develop the characters and this outstanding world building, sharing the same universe as her Jane Yellowrock stories.
What is Nell? She’s not a witch. Is she a dryad, a wood nymph, or something like that? Hunter also continues to develop her magic building in an X-Man like scenario of “what the hell kind of creature are you?” Any urban fantasy that makes me break out my ancient edition of Deities and Demigods: Cyclopedia of Gods and Heroes from Myth and Legend has my attention and admiration. She’s on to something really cool.
Recommended.
*** A free copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review
November 25, 2017
WOW! First off let me point out that while I LOVE Jane Yellowrock and this whole world, she is pretty unique BUT there has never been another heroine like Nell, she is the most original character in urban fantasy in many years.
This time she seems to be up against something they can't even identify and add that to the normal trials and tribulations of a woman who had spent her whole life as a "churchwoman" in a near cult-like existence, she is proving to be one heck of a strong heroine.
Nell is in touch with the world around us like no other heroine ever and that has some serious pros and cons, add more into the mix that her sister is exhibiting signs of being like Nell.
This story has a lot going on and you can't scan any pages or you might miss something important and a lot of it is just Nell learning how to be normal as she can.
I won't drone on and repeat the synopsis but, this was just an absolutely exceptional story and while it seemed to be written like it could be the last one in the series, I am assured that there will be at least 2 more in this exceptional story.
5 Stars easy
This time she seems to be up against something they can't even identify and add that to the normal trials and tribulations of a woman who had spent her whole life as a "churchwoman" in a near cult-like existence, she is proving to be one heck of a strong heroine.
Nell is in touch with the world around us like no other heroine ever and that has some serious pros and cons, add more into the mix that her sister is exhibiting signs of being like Nell.
This story has a lot going on and you can't scan any pages or you might miss something important and a lot of it is just Nell learning how to be normal as she can.
I won't drone on and repeat the synopsis but, this was just an absolutely exceptional story and while it seemed to be written like it could be the last one in the series, I am assured that there will be at least 2 more in this exceptional story.
5 Stars easy
December 5, 2017
Thanks to Netgalley and the amazing publishers for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Five supernova, fiery, supernova, pick up this book (or book one) immediately stars!
Stop whatever you're doing and pick up Faith Hunter. Seriously, right now. This woman's Jane Yellowrock series is AWESOME as it is, but she's at the top of her game when she writes about Nell Nicholson Ingram, PsyLED probie and all-around kickass protagonist.
This time around, a Senator's family survives (mostly) an assassination attempt, and a bunch of different law enforcement agencies are called in -- including the PsyLED unit composed of Nell and friends, thanks to some vampire presence at the location of the attempted killing.
Things burn out of control (fire pun intended!) from there, as the twisted maze of clues and suspects and paranormal creatures pile up into a giant plate of spaghetti, story threads twisted together into a top-notch entry into her already top-notch Soulwood series. We get a ton of growth in a handful of the main characters, Nell included, and we even get a little more insight into her families -- her actual family in the church, and her "townie" PsyLED family.
Overall, Faith has created a very deep character that is easy to connect with, spun a fantastic yarn of a tale, and as always, left me begging for more... and thankfully, she's contracted for more now. I'm so relieved to hear that this isn't going to end as a trilogy, because it (along with Jane) has a rightful spot in my top favorite series.
Seriously, you read all this, even though I told you at the beginning to stop and go read Faith Hunter? I guess I'm flattered, but you're terrible at following directions! :)
---
Review to come closer to release date, but OMG WOW. As much as I love Jane Yellowrock, Faith Hunter's Soulwood series is the top of her game!
Five supernova, fiery, supernova, pick up this book (or book one) immediately stars!
Stop whatever you're doing and pick up Faith Hunter. Seriously, right now. This woman's Jane Yellowrock series is AWESOME as it is, but she's at the top of her game when she writes about Nell Nicholson Ingram, PsyLED probie and all-around kickass protagonist.
This time around, a Senator's family survives (mostly) an assassination attempt, and a bunch of different law enforcement agencies are called in -- including the PsyLED unit composed of Nell and friends, thanks to some vampire presence at the location of the attempted killing.
Things burn out of control (fire pun intended!) from there, as the twisted maze of clues and suspects and paranormal creatures pile up into a giant plate of spaghetti, story threads twisted together into a top-notch entry into her already top-notch Soulwood series. We get a ton of growth in a handful of the main characters, Nell included, and we even get a little more insight into her families -- her actual family in the church, and her "townie" PsyLED family.
Overall, Faith has created a very deep character that is easy to connect with, spun a fantastic yarn of a tale, and as always, left me begging for more... and thankfully, she's contracted for more now. I'm so relieved to hear that this isn't going to end as a trilogy, because it (along with Jane) has a rightful spot in my top favorite series.
Seriously, you read all this, even though I told you at the beginning to stop and go read Faith Hunter? I guess I'm flattered, but you're terrible at following directions! :)
---
Review to come closer to release date, but OMG WOW. As much as I love Jane Yellowrock, Faith Hunter's Soulwood series is the top of her game!
January 30, 2018
4.5 love is deeper than roots stars
first thought: Yo quiero un Occam
btw, short-short story before this book could be read here: Black Friday shopping with Nell and Occam
Nell Ingram has powers upon the land that she doesn't know very well, and now is the probie agent in PsyLED aka the 'witch-squad' who police paranormals (vampires, witches, shapeshifters and who knows what). Her unit are called because a Senator and other VIPs , like Ming of Glass , suffered an attack; other Agencies are involved too, uncertain of the target. With the precedence in doubt, the agents are pressured for answers and results , meanwhile Nell is struggling to work with the team , with family issues and maybe men-issues. But above all trying to knowing better herself.
This is one of my favorites Urban Fantasy series. well interelated with Jane Yellowrock's worldbuilding.
I'm afraid to start parroting Choko's review, because I agree with her about the kind of heroine that Nell is.
But maybe not for to start gushing about Occam, and how I so love to see him kick Rick ass. (and took photos and send them to Jane and George XD)
-->The plot keep you trying to guess what the h* is happening , and who are the bad guy. Yep another horryfing moment at the end btw. The way Soul acts and Nell comment about Also is weird that the light dragons don't use the time buble or better said ppl don't notice?
-->Interesting is discover the bits of information, like 'Yummy' The info of the blood suckers is top notch, so Nell special power will be reported to Leo Pellisier.
------------------------------------
Una de las cosas que màs gustan de Nell Ingram es que es una mujer luchadora , con una fuerza interna que la ha sostenido desde una edad temprana. La idea de la iglesia poligamica y como la familia a su modo trata de proteger las mujeres y las fallas es muy interesante. Me hace hervir la sangre junto con Nell cuando lo de Mindy. Y ciertamente ya era hora que se hiciera cargo de ese asunto. Ademàs, como ella, creo que los poderes . Por otra parte, me dan ganas de hacer chistes acerca de mujeres-ents y su escape de su masculina contraparte, aunque en ese caso èstas eran màs adeptas a huertas que a bosques.
the Cherokee words for what I am or might be. She called me a yinehi. Or yvwi tsvdi. Or amayinehi. I’m not pronouncing them right, but that’s close. They’re Cherokee for fairies or wood nymphs or brownies. Maybe dryads.”
I stopped. Mama stopped praying. Daddy said, “But not a witch.”
“Not a witch,” I agreed.
Tampoco, no puedo dejar de comparar esa ingenuidad diferente en ciertos aspectos personales de Nell con el personaje de Meg de la serie de Anne Bishop en The Others. Ambas abusadas, y podria decirse que vendidas por sus familias tal vez con la mejor de las intenciones , pero que si bien en Meg fue crudo y carente de sutileza; y lo Nell es una forma que es màs apegada a las normas de su iglesia y sus tradiciones, esto de la mujer subyugada por cosas que se consideran por su propio bien, pusha que saca roncha y da rabia. Y pesa.
But she is working in it, under her own terms.
She is clever.
But still lacks control.
I was both a victim of my past and a victimizer through my gift.
Y Occam, ese pobre hombre encarcelado , seria tremendamente interesante saber mucho más acerca de su pasado y como logro huir. Creo que muchas de las cosas que le dice a Nell se basan en lo que se diria o se dice a si mismo.
Esa implicación de que ellos pueden estar juntos solamente porque ninguno es... humano, es algo que sigue picando. Creo que a ella le falta un largo rato para darle peso a todo lo que eso significa y a todos sus cambios.
Espero el proximo libro :)
first thought: Yo quiero un Occam
btw, short-short story before this book could be read here: Black Friday shopping with Nell and Occam
Nell Ingram has powers upon the land that she doesn't know very well, and now is the probie agent in PsyLED aka the 'witch-squad' who police paranormals (vampires, witches, shapeshifters and who knows what). Her unit are called because a Senator and other VIPs , like Ming of Glass , suffered an attack; other Agencies are involved too, uncertain of the target. With the precedence in doubt, the agents are pressured for answers and results , meanwhile Nell is struggling to work with the team , with family issues and maybe men-issues. But above all trying to knowing better herself.
This is one of my favorites Urban Fantasy series. well interelated with Jane Yellowrock's worldbuilding.
I'm afraid to start parroting Choko's review, because I agree with her about the kind of heroine that Nell is.
But maybe not for to start gushing about Occam, and how I so love to see him kick Rick ass. (and took photos and send them to Jane and George XD)
-->The plot keep you trying to guess what the h* is happening , and who are the bad guy. Yep another horryfing moment at the end btw. The way Soul acts and Nell comment about Also is weird that the light dragons don't use the time buble or better said ppl don't notice?
-->Interesting is discover the bits of information, like 'Yummy' The info of the blood suckers is top notch, so Nell special power will be reported to Leo Pellisier.
------------------------------------
Una de las cosas que màs gustan de Nell Ingram es que es una mujer luchadora , con una fuerza interna que la ha sostenido desde una edad temprana. La idea de la iglesia poligamica y como la familia a su modo trata de proteger las mujeres y las fallas es muy interesante. Me hace hervir la sangre junto con Nell cuando lo de Mindy. Y ciertamente ya era hora que se hiciera cargo de ese asunto. Ademàs, como ella, creo que los poderes . Por otra parte, me dan ganas de hacer chistes acerca de mujeres-ents y su escape de su masculina contraparte, aunque en ese caso èstas eran màs adeptas a huertas que a bosques.
the Cherokee words for what I am or might be. She called me a yinehi. Or yvwi tsvdi. Or amayinehi. I’m not pronouncing them right, but that’s close. They’re Cherokee for fairies or wood nymphs or brownies. Maybe dryads.”
I stopped. Mama stopped praying. Daddy said, “But not a witch.”
“Not a witch,” I agreed.
Tampoco, no puedo dejar de comparar esa ingenuidad diferente en ciertos aspectos personales de Nell con el personaje de Meg de la serie de Anne Bishop en The Others. Ambas abusadas, y podria decirse que vendidas por sus familias tal vez con la mejor de las intenciones , pero que si bien en Meg fue crudo y carente de sutileza; y lo Nell es una forma que es màs apegada a las normas de su iglesia y sus tradiciones, esto de la mujer subyugada por cosas que se consideran por su propio bien, pusha que saca roncha y da rabia. Y pesa.
My own experience had similar captivity overtones, and I too had gotten away the first moment I could, yet not all my sisters wanted freedom. I said, “They might want to stay, like a caged bird not wanting to fly into the wild. Maybe they feel safer there. Maybe to them it isn’t a prison after all.” I took a sip of tea, feeling all sorts of unnamed things flowing through me. [...] Or maybe it’s just something that makes the weres believe they have to or want to stay.” Like my sister Priss. Like Esther. But not like Mud.
----
[....] Programming can be hardwired into a body,” I said, not looking up. “It’s something that has to be fought, day in and day out, forever. Like an addiction one hates, has defeated, yet still has to battle.”
But she is working in it, under her own terms.
She is clever.
But still lacks control.
I was both a victim of my past and a victimizer through my gift.
Y Occam, ese pobre hombre encarcelado , seria tremendamente interesante saber mucho más acerca de su pasado y como logro huir. Creo que muchas de las cosas que le dice a Nell se basan en lo que se diria o se dice a si mismo.
Esa implicación de que ellos pueden estar juntos solamente porque ninguno es... humano, es algo que sigue picando. Creo que a ella le falta un largo rato para darle peso a todo lo que eso significa y a todos sus cambios.
Espero el proximo libro :)
December 7, 2017
I was lucky to be included in the list of readers chosen to read this before it was published and can honestly say I loved it. I actually find that the more we learn about Nell then the more I like her and dare I say I might actually prefer her to Jane ? Yes I know many readers will disagree but I'm just loving this woman who is such a born survivor.
Nell has accomplished so much, come so far and yet here she is embracing all that it means to be a modern woman whilst still respecting her family and their life choices. So when she's faced with their well meant meddling whilst she's heavily envolved in a new case you just know that it's going to be a story that takes the reader by surprise. The characters here are so vividly painted with quirks, strengths and foibles. Such a lot going on that the reader really does need to pay attention which honestly is no hardship and best of all Nell is starting to flex her flirting muscles! This isn't a romance though it's an amazing piece of urban fantasy and I absolutely love the connection with the land that is clearly runs throughout Nells family. A huge recommendation and I sincerely hope there will be more in this series.
This voluntary take is of an advance copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Nell has accomplished so much, come so far and yet here she is embracing all that it means to be a modern woman whilst still respecting her family and their life choices. So when she's faced with their well meant meddling whilst she's heavily envolved in a new case you just know that it's going to be a story that takes the reader by surprise. The characters here are so vividly painted with quirks, strengths and foibles. Such a lot going on that the reader really does need to pay attention which honestly is no hardship and best of all Nell is starting to flex her flirting muscles! This isn't a romance though it's an amazing piece of urban fantasy and I absolutely love the connection with the land that is clearly runs throughout Nells family. A huge recommendation and I sincerely hope there will be more in this series.
This voluntary take is of an advance copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
December 10, 2017
Buddy read with the Wednesday UF Group.
Boy, do I love this world? And I love it even more thanks to my fellow buddy readers who always find a way to improve a book *waves at Steven still laughing over one of his remarks*
I want to take the time and say a few words about the audio version before I move on to the book itself. Khristine Hvam is an incredible narrator and it's always a pleasure to listen to a book she's narrating. She has distinct "voices" for all the characters and it's so easy to distinguish between them all. Her cadence is engaging and it usually helps me concentrate on a book. So it was a bit of a surprise to me when I spaced out for almost half the book and had to return and start all over again. Must be something wrong with me. The reason why I'm saying all this is a few weeks ago I listened to a really good book that had terrible narrator and I just wanted to point out how important a narrator is to the way an audiobook is perceived.
We're back in one of my very favourite worlds and in the part of it I actually like more. Soulwood is a spin off series. Usually I like the main series more but in this particular case things are the other way around. I love Jane Yellowrock but Nell Ingram has won me over and I utterly adore her. It's so much easier to identify with her and to sympathize to what she's been through. To admire her for having the spine to stand up for herself and take a stand against the cult that raised her. Time and again she does what is right instead of what her superiors (be they members of the God's Cloud of Glory church or PsyLed) tell her to. I admire that quality and wish more people were like her in RL.
However, she's not perfect and this is what makes her such a likeable character. She stumbles, she backtracks and makes mistakes due to insecurity and lack of experience. Just like the rest of us. But in the end she finds the right way for her. And after all the angst and fear (at one point I threatened to abandon the series if ) to see her take the first step on a road that used to terrify her, I just can't find the words to describe the elation I felt.
So if you find yourself in a need of a series that will make you want to be a better person without you even realizing it, give soulwood a chance. I promise you won't regret it.
Boy, do I love this world? And I love it even more thanks to my fellow buddy readers who always find a way to improve a book *waves at Steven still laughing over one of his remarks*
I want to take the time and say a few words about the audio version before I move on to the book itself. Khristine Hvam is an incredible narrator and it's always a pleasure to listen to a book she's narrating. She has distinct "voices" for all the characters and it's so easy to distinguish between them all. Her cadence is engaging and it usually helps me concentrate on a book. So it was a bit of a surprise to me when I spaced out for almost half the book and had to return and start all over again. Must be something wrong with me. The reason why I'm saying all this is a few weeks ago I listened to a really good book that had terrible narrator and I just wanted to point out how important a narrator is to the way an audiobook is perceived.
We're back in one of my very favourite worlds and in the part of it I actually like more. Soulwood is a spin off series. Usually I like the main series more but in this particular case things are the other way around. I love Jane Yellowrock but Nell Ingram has won me over and I utterly adore her. It's so much easier to identify with her and to sympathize to what she's been through. To admire her for having the spine to stand up for herself and take a stand against the cult that raised her. Time and again she does what is right instead of what her superiors (be they members of the God's Cloud of Glory church or PsyLed) tell her to. I admire that quality and wish more people were like her in RL.
However, she's not perfect and this is what makes her such a likeable character. She stumbles, she backtracks and makes mistakes due to insecurity and lack of experience. Just like the rest of us. But in the end she finds the right way for her. And after all the angst and fear (at one point I threatened to abandon the series if ) to see her take the first step on a road that used to terrify her, I just can't find the words to describe the elation I felt.
So if you find yourself in a need of a series that will make you want to be a better person without you even realizing it, give soulwood a chance. I promise you won't regret it.
December 4, 2017
Full review...
This series is so very different from Jane Yellowrock. Where Jane is pretty much straight UF, ‘Soulwood’ is kind of a funky UF/RS combination. Nell is now a fully integrated member of PsyLED Unit 18, and in this book the team takes on a paranormal case of multiple attempts at murder and spontaneous fire at each scene. It’s not long before the case turns into something different; darker and more paranormally sinister. Towards the end of the story things get really, really weird. The paranormal bad guys here were nasty, dangerous…and icky.
There is just a bit of time spent on developing the other members of the team. Rick has finally learned to shift into his werepanther; and finally gotten rid of Paka, his treacherous ex-lover who had held a magical control ever him. Nell’s tentative relationship with Occam is slowly growing, as well as another 'office' romance. There was a short subplot with Nell being courted by a member of her church; something I found totally unnecessary to the storyline and distracting. (Although it did serve to point out the finality of her break from the church). Nell’s powers are growing, and she is changing (amusingly) physically. She’s coming a little closer to understanding what she is and can do.
There was a lot going in in the book. The story was great, and very interesting; although I felt the case should have been wrapped up more quickly. I’m firmly hooked on the series...cracky good fun. I like Nell, want to know more about her life, both personality and professionally, and especially to find out more about what kind of human/paranormal being she really is.
This series is so very different from Jane Yellowrock. Where Jane is pretty much straight UF, ‘Soulwood’ is kind of a funky UF/RS combination. Nell is now a fully integrated member of PsyLED Unit 18, and in this book the team takes on a paranormal case of multiple attempts at murder and spontaneous fire at each scene. It’s not long before the case turns into something different; darker and more paranormally sinister. Towards the end of the story things get really, really weird. The paranormal bad guys here were nasty, dangerous…and icky.
There is just a bit of time spent on developing the other members of the team. Rick has finally learned to shift into his werepanther; and finally gotten rid of Paka, his treacherous ex-lover who had held a magical control ever him. Nell’s tentative relationship with Occam is slowly growing, as well as another 'office' romance. There was a short subplot with Nell being courted by a member of her church; something I found totally unnecessary to the storyline and distracting. (Although it did serve to point out the finality of her break from the church). Nell’s powers are growing, and she is changing (amusingly) physically. She’s coming a little closer to understanding what she is and can do.
There was a lot going in in the book. The story was great, and very interesting; although I felt the case should have been wrapped up more quickly. I’m firmly hooked on the series...cracky good fun. I like Nell, want to know more about her life, both personality and professionally, and especially to find out more about what kind of human/paranormal being she really is.
November 20, 2017
A mysterious creature is targeting a senator and PsyLED are racing against time to not only save him and his family but find out what the creature is and why it's attacking. Adding to their problems Nell is the only one who can sense the creature ... and she can't be everywhere at once.
Flame in the Dark is everything this series can be. It's brilliant. It's Nell on her land...using her magic to hunt and take down evil. I enjoyed the first two books. They were straight up Urban Fantasy. Well written but I've seen it before. From the beginning I've wanted these books to be about Nell and her Soulwood. In this book Faith Hunter delivers and then some. It's outstanding, unique, mysterious...far and away the best in the series.
Flame in the Dark is everything this series can be. It's brilliant. It's Nell on her land...using her magic to hunt and take down evil. I enjoyed the first two books. They were straight up Urban Fantasy. Well written but I've seen it before. From the beginning I've wanted these books to be about Nell and her Soulwood. In this book Faith Hunter delivers and then some. It's outstanding, unique, mysterious...far and away the best in the series.
October 7, 2017
3.5 stars
In this latest installment in the Soulwood series, Nell and her colleagues at PsyLED are brought in on a case where some prominent members of the community are attacked and there appears to be paranormal involvement. Nell still is a probie, challenged to find her place on the team and in her personal life as the attacks increase and become more bizarre.
In some aspects, the story was satisfying, with Nell learning more about herself and what she wants from her life. Other parts, though, were frustrating, with the investigation moving slowly and often off-track. Some mistakes could have been forestalled with some diligent investigation. Other things were inconsistent or made little sense
While the investigation at times moved painfully slowly even as the attacks worsened, some things changed a bit too quickly and too far.
Despite these issues, though, I did enjoy the story and am firmly hooked on the series. I look forward to seeing what happens next with Nell, her PsyLED family, and her Church family.
In this latest installment in the Soulwood series, Nell and her colleagues at PsyLED are brought in on a case where some prominent members of the community are attacked and there appears to be paranormal involvement. Nell still is a probie, challenged to find her place on the team and in her personal life as the attacks increase and become more bizarre.
In some aspects, the story was satisfying, with Nell learning more about herself and what she wants from her life. Other parts, though, were frustrating, with the investigation moving slowly and often off-track. Some mistakes could have been forestalled with some diligent investigation. Other things were inconsistent or made little sense
While the investigation at times moved painfully slowly even as the attacks worsened, some things changed a bit too quickly and too far.
Despite these issues, though, I did enjoy the story and am firmly hooked on the series. I look forward to seeing what happens next with Nell, her PsyLED family, and her Church family.
December 2, 2017
Wow! 4.5 stars Flame in the Dark was interesting on so many levels. There was some world-building in the types of supernaturals and also the traits of ones we already know. The PsyLED team has a big, intensive new case. The team members of Unit 18 have various professional and personal developments. Best of all, Nell grows.
Nell is so strong and smart. She is NOT lazy. Nell chooses to do the right thing, in spite of the physical or emotional dangers. She has integrity and thinks of others. Nell has growth in so many aspects of her life and is learning about herself. It is incredible to be there with her.
I couldn't put this down! The Soulwood series , being urban fantasy, really must be read in order. And you want to read them anyway, since they are so good, including the Jane Yellowrock series. This is really one of my favorite related series in urban fantasy. I am always excited to read Faith Hunter and look forward to more about Nell.
How Occam Got His Name Part Six
serial short story
By Faith Hunter
The big cat took off like its tail was on fire and was gone.
“Dayum, Trace. That thing was big. That was a jaguar fer sure.” Wayman sounded spooked.
Trace said nothing. His senses were frozen, his ears deadened from Wayman’s ear-piercing scream, his breathing fast from fear.
“Come on, Trace. Let’s get back to the tent afore it finds us again.”
They clattered down the hillock to the wash below, Trace wondering how the tent would protect them from a jaguar—if that’s what it was, and not a devil-cat. His daddy’s sermons about demons who take up the form of predators and hunt humans, banged around in his skull. The Nephilim and demons with huge teeth and claws. Like the spotted thing caught in his flashlight.
As they moved along the wash, Wayman’s flash picked out their path. Trace kept his moving around the hillocks to either side and along the path behind them. Once, he caught a hint of movement, but when he backtracked with the light, the thing was gone. Just like his interest in the meteor shower overhead.
Though he kept seeing bloody bodies on the sandy wash bottom, images put there by the demon that was hunting them, they made it back to the small tent near 82—the main road through Dickens—and made a small fire from dried wood they found in the wash. Then they zipped themselves inside. It was stupid, but the thick layer of tent fabric made Trace feel safer.
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
December 5, 2017
I'm very happy that Faith Hunter decided to expand her Jane Yellowrock world to include Nell Ingram in it. She's a smart heroine who thinks before acting. Her strength comes from the land. Her power comes from Soulwood. Nell is able to communicate with the land and if necessary defend herself using it.
In this latest installment, Nell has finished spook school and now she's the new probie with Unit 18 for the PsyLED. She's getting used to her job and learning the natural interactions outside the Cloud Glory Church sect. The rest of the team is composed of Rick LaFleur, T. Laine, Occam, Jojo and Tandy.
At the beginning of the novel, Unit 18 gets assigned a new case. It has a paranormal component to it and Nell will be very useful in helping determine what is attacking several important families. The case is full of suspense. As always, Nell's intelligence and power of deduction are a great asset to the team. The baddies in this one gave me the creeps. Nasty things!
Flame in the Dark is full of character development. Not only for Nell but for the rest of the team too. Of course, the one which was the most impressive was Nell's. She's learning about her true power and how to use it. She's also helping her younger sister "Mud" understand she's not human either. Nell has learned from her past mistakes and she wants to protect Mud from her family and her own power.
Nell will also have to deal with other thorns in her way. There's the issue of the vampire tree who seems to be getting more powerful but also more demanding, and of what to do with evil Brother Ephraim, who seems ready to attack her.
In regards to the romance, slowly but surely Occam is becoming Nell's leading man. He's a very patient man who's smart enough to give Nell time to adjust to a life outside the "church". Yet, he made his intentions towards her clear as day.
Don't hesitate to grab Flame in the Dark. Faith Hunter knows how to write great Urban Fantasy!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Ace Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
December 11, 2017
3 1/2
I stand by Linda:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I stand by Linda:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
August 12, 2023
Flame in the Dark was such a fun read for me! It is a solidly written story filled with all the details a person could love! I was able to clearly see each scene as intended and as a reader I was completely a part of the investigation. I love that!! Each book is better than the previous one and I love how Nell’s character has developed and grown. Nell has finally come to terms with her break from the church and has been able to fully shed her churchwoman persona. She had even started experimenting with what it was that she really wanted. Nell has grown on me as a character and I want more of her. There were many personal issues that had been plaguing Nell throughout this series that are put to rest in Flame in the Dark and I felt how they were handled was very cool and quite satisfying. I highly recommend this book and this series!
July 18, 2018
3.5/5; 4 stars; A-
I like the Soulwood series. Its interesting how Nell's magic works as well as the others on the team. I found the 'church lady' aspect a bit aggravating sometimes and the mystery was unnecessarily convoluted in parts but, overall, an excellent addition to the series.
I like the Soulwood series. Its interesting how Nell's magic works as well as the others on the team. I found the 'church lady' aspect a bit aggravating sometimes and the mystery was unnecessarily convoluted in parts but, overall, an excellent addition to the series.
December 8, 2017
Nell freebie story: https://www.literaryescapism.com/5024...
March 24, 2018
This is a unique, sometimes grim, sometimes funny urban fantasy with great characters.
I had gotten insufficient sleep for days and the catnap did me good. I chuckled quietly at the thought. Catnap. The movement of my laughter caused a reek of rotten fish to waft into the air. My clothes were ruined. There was no way I could get the stink out of them. “What’s so funny, Nell, sugar?”
“I was attacked by . . . salamanders? I was saved by a cat. I took a catnap. I smell like rotten fish. I’m growing leaves. I have to laugh or I might cry.”
I had gotten insufficient sleep for days and the catnap did me good. I chuckled quietly at the thought. Catnap. The movement of my laughter caused a reek of rotten fish to waft into the air. My clothes were ruined. There was no way I could get the stink out of them. “What’s so funny, Nell, sugar?”
“I was attacked by . . . salamanders? I was saved by a cat. I took a catnap. I smell like rotten fish. I’m growing leaves. I have to laugh or I might cry.”
December 8, 2017
Well a breath of fresh air on one front. An author who knows how to stick and create cohesive world building unlike what I’ve been reading. While I liked the story well enough, my one complaint was Nell. I didn’t like her very much; almost how much I dislike Jane Yellowrock. As I will continue both series, I don’t have to like the main character to enjoy the story. This plot was interesting and kept me interested throughout. However, I thought Nell was different and more likable than Jane. Unfortunately, she’s become almost a mirror of Jane. Both act self righteous but are not holy than thou. I hated how Nell treated people in this book without apology but then had the nerve to expect or demand apologies from others for the slightest infraction. Pot and kettle and all of that. Personally I didn’t think she deserved Ocome (sorry, listening not reading). The way she treated him without never once apologizing, pissed me off. He hadn’t once deserved her ire. But this author seems to be an extreme feminist of sorts that comes across in her female leads. I believe a woman can be strong without being a bitch. In this story, Nell comes off worse than a bitch. To use a phrase I never ever used on anyone until now, she’s a cunt. But then again I don’t much understand the author or the fans of Bruiser from the Yellowrock series. Why anyone can think that a man that holds you down while you are being abused against your will is a better love interest than a man who is an extreme flirt or possibly a cheater boggles my mind. Both have an excuse, One was spelled and the other was following orders. The spelled one seems to have a better excuse except the readers want Bruiser. Something is wrong with society or these readers haven’t felt what it feels like to be violated in any way, emotionally, mentally or physically. But I digress. I hope based on the ending of this book that Nell has grown some and she won’t be such a cunt in the next installment. Narration was on point as always.
December 6, 2017
Pre-ordered Audible version.
May 2, 2018
Catnip for process nerds and urban fantasy fans alike, riding along with Nell Ingram on any given day is a treat. FLAME IN THE DARK is a particularly fraught for her, both personally and professionally, but the rich texture of Nell's day to day life often drowns out window dressing like "plot".
Nell’s growth, her social and professional development, her compassionate navigation of disparate communities... there is so much to enjoy in this series, and FLAME IN THE DARK brings most of these to a head. But to be fair, I'm more interested in how Nell warms up her skillets or plans her meals than the preternatural threat PsyLED spends this book investigating. And while I greatly enjoyed Nell's romantic growth, her latest suitor served much more as a catalyst for Nell to process past and present than to be an actual character, making her ultimate choice a foregone conclusion. But these events don't detract from enjoying Nell's thoughtful competence and continued growth.
Don't let these criticisms fool you into thinking FLAME IN THE DARK isn't a satisfying conclusion to a really enjoyable series. More so than even the Jane Yellowrock books, Soulwood is a series made captivating by its main character. FLAME IN THE DARK is a great cap to the series, but having more opportunities to ride along with Nell would be even better.
Sexual Content: Kissing, references to rape.
Nell’s growth, her social and professional development, her compassionate navigation of disparate communities... there is so much to enjoy in this series, and FLAME IN THE DARK brings most of these to a head. But to be fair, I'm more interested in how Nell warms up her skillets or plans her meals than the preternatural threat PsyLED spends this book investigating. And while I greatly enjoyed Nell's romantic growth, her latest suitor served much more as a catalyst for Nell to process past and present than to be an actual character, making her ultimate choice a foregone conclusion. But these events don't detract from enjoying Nell's thoughtful competence and continued growth.
Don't let these criticisms fool you into thinking FLAME IN THE DARK isn't a satisfying conclusion to a really enjoyable series. More so than even the Jane Yellowrock books, Soulwood is a series made captivating by its main character. FLAME IN THE DARK is a great cap to the series, but having more opportunities to ride along with Nell would be even better.
Sexual Content: Kissing, references to rape.
December 15, 2017
Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2017/12/review-...
Favorite Quote: Here there was no fear or grief. No worry or pain. Here I would stay.
Reviewed by Tori
Picking up not long after book two, Curse of the Land, Flame in the Dark opens to Nell arriving at a crime scene where a senator has been attacked at a fundraising party and the whole situation has a strong supernatural feel to it. Especially when the prominent guest list comes to light. Was it the senator, Abrams Tolliver, or perhaps Ming of Glass, the Blood Master of Clan Glass. who was the intended victim? When Nell arrives, she discovers that Rick LaFleur, her boss, is back from New Orleans, along with the head of the PsyLED, Soul. Nell senses something is amiss with Rick and Soul but before she can divulge deeper into it, Nell picks up instantly that there is something odd about the assassin. She uses her gift only to discover the assassin is a supernatural and she has no idea who or what they are. She only knows they are a threat to the land and therefore a threat to her.
As the investigation progresses, the clues pile up with little direction until a chance discovery reveals a history that leads back to one of their own and is rich in violence and betrayal. When the villain comes after Nell and those she has come to care for, she will finally let go of the last remaining ties that bind her.
This was my magic, my dark power. To take the life of anyone who bled onto the land I claimed as my own.
NOTE: This series coexists with Hunter’s Jane Yellowrock world. There are signs of increased intermingling so there may be some light spoilers in here. If you haven’t read her Yellowrock series, start now. It is sublime and is the base on which both series are built on. You can read my reviews here.
Special Agent Nell Ingram is back though she remains on probationary status with PsyLED as she continues to stretch her wings and test her boundaries more each day, some time to the detriment of Unit eighteen. Her ‘romance’ with fellow agent Occum remains in the infant stage while Nell attempts to understand the social nuances of dating. Her family’s attempts to matchmake doesn’t help. Add in a case that is going to test the limits of everyone involved…and Nell has her hands full this go around.
Nell is an interesting and complex character who continues to evolve in a slow and sure fashion. Raised in a fundamentalist church sect where polygamy and abuse are the norms, Nell escaped by choosing a different prison though she has since reconciled with her parents. She straddles these two worlds as she seeks to shake the remaining shackles of her upbringing and push boldly into the future. Her supernatural abilities only add to her confusion as she cannot forget her church practiced the notion to “never suffer a witch.” With her youngest sister showing signs of the same powers, Nell is determined to protect her… no matter what. She not only fears Mud may end up making the same mistakes she did but fears the church will force her into marriage and stifle all her abilities.
“…if he was gone, then no one stood between the churchmen and Mud. They would force her…force her to marry one of them.”
This energetic story overflows with action, suspense, intrigue, and just the right amount of dark humor as Nell discovers more about herself and those around her while she helps to look for a killer. One of the main reasons that draws me to Faith Hunter’s writing is the fact she thinks outside the box. While the common paranormal entities are seen in here, she also brings in new entities and seamlessly integrates them into the arc as if they always existed. This storyline is no exception. Fans will love the unique villains in here and the cunning way Hunter uses them in the story. The already solid character base increases in size, introducing new faces while expanding on the older more established ones as she guides readers through this latest adventure. For once, the mystery had me completely stumped as Hunter kept me guessing until the very end.
The story lines stay in motion, circling around each other as the information pours in from all sides. Sometimes a little too much information. I became confused a few times and had to backtrack as Hunter adds a few stringers to misdirect us and answer a few ongoing questions. The cryptic conflict blends well with the emotional and physical changes in Nell. Important alterations to the various relationships around Nell are noted and I am excited about some of them. Her feelings for Occum, her claiming of Rick, her confession to her parents, her teammates, etc…all show signs of change though into what remains to be seen.
Hunter gave longtime fans what they wanted in Cold Reign (Book 11-Jane Yellowrock series). Rick apologized to Jane for everything. Not only for humiliating her but for his actions from the very beginning. Nell addresses this in here, acknowledging Rick’s sorrow and curious as to what he will do now.
The ending is a high octane finale that endings the main conflict and some personal conflicts on a high note with Hunter giving us some intriguing hints as to what is coming. Nell leaves us stronger, more confident, and ready to take on the world. With the way this story ends, I am more than ready for book four title and release date to be announced.
“…I’m going to kiss you, Nell, sugar.”
“A proper improper kiss?”
“The most improper kiss I can think of, Nell, sugar.”
Favorite Quote: Here there was no fear or grief. No worry or pain. Here I would stay.
Reviewed by Tori
Picking up not long after book two, Curse of the Land, Flame in the Dark opens to Nell arriving at a crime scene where a senator has been attacked at a fundraising party and the whole situation has a strong supernatural feel to it. Especially when the prominent guest list comes to light. Was it the senator, Abrams Tolliver, or perhaps Ming of Glass, the Blood Master of Clan Glass. who was the intended victim? When Nell arrives, she discovers that Rick LaFleur, her boss, is back from New Orleans, along with the head of the PsyLED, Soul. Nell senses something is amiss with Rick and Soul but before she can divulge deeper into it, Nell picks up instantly that there is something odd about the assassin. She uses her gift only to discover the assassin is a supernatural and she has no idea who or what they are. She only knows they are a threat to the land and therefore a threat to her.
As the investigation progresses, the clues pile up with little direction until a chance discovery reveals a history that leads back to one of their own and is rich in violence and betrayal. When the villain comes after Nell and those she has come to care for, she will finally let go of the last remaining ties that bind her.
This was my magic, my dark power. To take the life of anyone who bled onto the land I claimed as my own.
NOTE: This series coexists with Hunter’s Jane Yellowrock world. There are signs of increased intermingling so there may be some light spoilers in here. If you haven’t read her Yellowrock series, start now. It is sublime and is the base on which both series are built on. You can read my reviews here.
Special Agent Nell Ingram is back though she remains on probationary status with PsyLED as she continues to stretch her wings and test her boundaries more each day, some time to the detriment of Unit eighteen. Her ‘romance’ with fellow agent Occum remains in the infant stage while Nell attempts to understand the social nuances of dating. Her family’s attempts to matchmake doesn’t help. Add in a case that is going to test the limits of everyone involved…and Nell has her hands full this go around.
Nell is an interesting and complex character who continues to evolve in a slow and sure fashion. Raised in a fundamentalist church sect where polygamy and abuse are the norms, Nell escaped by choosing a different prison though she has since reconciled with her parents. She straddles these two worlds as she seeks to shake the remaining shackles of her upbringing and push boldly into the future. Her supernatural abilities only add to her confusion as she cannot forget her church practiced the notion to “never suffer a witch.” With her youngest sister showing signs of the same powers, Nell is determined to protect her… no matter what. She not only fears Mud may end up making the same mistakes she did but fears the church will force her into marriage and stifle all her abilities.
“…if he was gone, then no one stood between the churchmen and Mud. They would force her…force her to marry one of them.”
This energetic story overflows with action, suspense, intrigue, and just the right amount of dark humor as Nell discovers more about herself and those around her while she helps to look for a killer. One of the main reasons that draws me to Faith Hunter’s writing is the fact she thinks outside the box. While the common paranormal entities are seen in here, she also brings in new entities and seamlessly integrates them into the arc as if they always existed. This storyline is no exception. Fans will love the unique villains in here and the cunning way Hunter uses them in the story. The already solid character base increases in size, introducing new faces while expanding on the older more established ones as she guides readers through this latest adventure. For once, the mystery had me completely stumped as Hunter kept me guessing until the very end.
The story lines stay in motion, circling around each other as the information pours in from all sides. Sometimes a little too much information. I became confused a few times and had to backtrack as Hunter adds a few stringers to misdirect us and answer a few ongoing questions. The cryptic conflict blends well with the emotional and physical changes in Nell. Important alterations to the various relationships around Nell are noted and I am excited about some of them. Her feelings for Occum, her claiming of Rick, her confession to her parents, her teammates, etc…all show signs of change though into what remains to be seen.
Hunter gave longtime fans what they wanted in Cold Reign (Book 11-Jane Yellowrock series). Rick apologized to Jane for everything. Not only for humiliating her but for his actions from the very beginning. Nell addresses this in here, acknowledging Rick’s sorrow and curious as to what he will do now.
The ending is a high octane finale that endings the main conflict and some personal conflicts on a high note with Hunter giving us some intriguing hints as to what is coming. Nell leaves us stronger, more confident, and ready to take on the world. With the way this story ends, I am more than ready for book four title and release date to be announced.
“…I’m going to kiss you, Nell, sugar.”
“A proper improper kiss?”
“The most improper kiss I can think of, Nell, sugar.”
August 19, 2018
Loved it and want more!!
December 5, 2017
Flame in the Dark must be my most highly anticipated book of 2017. Not only are the two previous books on my top 3 of 2016, I adore the main character. And the support crew. And the worldbuilding. And the unfinished business. Okay, I love everything about this series. It has the best from the Jane Yellowrock universe, without the focus on vampire politics (which I kinda hate and only tolerate because Jane and her crew are so good). So yeah, it sucked me right in.
I am loving Nell's growth. Sure, there was a moment where I kinda screamed "what? No no no no, I don't like it. Faith Hunter cannot do that to me and my precious characters". I get the why it was there. It was needed. I don't have to like, have I? And Nell's justification for her decision didn't set well with me either. Good thing her actions proved what her heart really felt, otherwise I's be terrible upset.
As usual, the mystery and the parts involved and context was very well put, intricate and with dept.
And the ending, although not being a cliffhanger - thank the writing gods - leaves you wanting for more. It would be a good ending for a trilogy. Knowing we are going to have more, makes it perfect. For now.
5 fiery stars. I said it before, and will say it again. PICK THE BOOKS AND START READING THEM. It will be worth it. I Promise.
I am loving Nell's growth. Sure, there was a moment where I kinda screamed "what? No no no no, I don't like it. Faith Hunter cannot do that to me and my precious characters". I get the why it was there. It was needed. I don't have to like, have I? And Nell's justification for her decision didn't set well with me either. Good thing her actions proved what her heart really felt, otherwise I's be terrible upset.
As usual, the mystery and the parts involved and context was very well put, intricate and with dept.
And the ending, although not being a cliffhanger - thank the writing gods - leaves you wanting for more. It would be a good ending for a trilogy. Knowing we are going to have more, makes it perfect. For now.
5 fiery stars. I said it before, and will say it again. PICK THE BOOKS AND START READING THEM. It will be worth it. I Promise.
December 7, 2017
Sigh. This series becomes more intriguing, more engrossing with each book.
WAIT NO LONGER, start this series now!
WAIT NO LONGER, start this series now!
November 27, 2017
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Flame in the Dark is the third installment in author Faith Hunter's Soulwood series. Special Agent Nell Ingram is a probationary paranormal investigator for PsyLED. She has found a home among Unit Eighteen which includes team leader Rick LaFleur (were-leopard), T. Laine (witch), Occam (were-panther), Jojo (IT Specialist), and Tandy (empath). As the story begins, someone is targeting an influential US Senator who is pro-paranormal rights and his family. What's curious is that at every incident involving the Senator or his family, there are also incidences of fire at the scene.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Flame in the Dark is the third installment in author Faith Hunter's Soulwood series. Special Agent Nell Ingram is a probationary paranormal investigator for PsyLED. She has found a home among Unit Eighteen which includes team leader Rick LaFleur (were-leopard), T. Laine (witch), Occam (were-panther), Jojo (IT Specialist), and Tandy (empath). As the story begins, someone is targeting an influential US Senator who is pro-paranormal rights and his family. What's curious is that at every incident involving the Senator or his family, there are also incidences of fire at the scene.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
February 12, 2019
This was great. There is a mystery on who is attacking and whom they are attacking. They are burners of some sort but no one can identify what creature it is. Nell is more a part of the team and is given more responsibilities. At home, her sister at 12 is being looked at by some of the church elders even though her parents have said that wouldn't be happening. She is trying to figure out how she can help her sister too. Also her family is trying to play match maker within the church, while at work Nell is still trying to navigate the world of dating and what it means for her and Occam. There are definitely some open ended questions but they don't impact the story or leave us in a cliffhanger. I definitely want the next one now but know I'll have to wait.
Still amazed at how much I love this since I just like Yellowrock and it doesn't pull me back like this one does. Nell is just a totally different person and has interesting issues to deal with for me.
Still amazed at how much I love this since I just like Yellowrock and it doesn't pull me back like this one does. Nell is just a totally different person and has interesting issues to deal with for me.
February 16, 2019
4 1/2 Stars
This book is my favorite in this series. The fabulous storyline, filled with creatures old an new, suspense, laughter and sweetly develped romance, captivated me so thoroughly I hate having to wait for the next book.
This book is my favorite in this series. The fabulous storyline, filled with creatures old an new, suspense, laughter and sweetly develped romance, captivated me so thoroughly I hate having to wait for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 504 reviews