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Dead Souls #1
Arrival on Thaxos
After many years away, Edgar Le Compte has finally returned to Thaxos. While the island's residents are horrified by his arrival, Edgar is determined to reassert his family's ancient rule. Edgar is the latest in a long line of vampires, and he knows that he can delay this moment no longer. A powerful force is threatening to rise and challenge his family, and the final stage of an ancient prophecy is about to strike.
Meanwhile, Kate Langley has also arrived on Thaxos. Exhausted and desperately in need of a relaxing holiday, Kate wants nothing more than a few weeks of calm on the Greek island. Unfortunately, she's about to find herself drawn into the world of the Le Comptes. A deadly creature lurks in the darkness, waiting to strike, while in the heart of the harbor town an old woman warns that the island is about to be struck by disaster.
Can Kate escape the interest of Edgar Le Compte? Is Edgar powerless to stop the forces of destiny? And as the souls of the dead prepare to return, can anyone ever truly escape the vengeance of the past?
This is the first book in the long-running Dead Souls saga. Each book ends with a cliffhanger, and readers are advised to start at the beginning. This is the 2022 edition of the original 2014 book.
Meanwhile, Kate Langley has also arrived on Thaxos. Exhausted and desperately in need of a relaxing holiday, Kate wants nothing more than a few weeks of calm on the Greek island. Unfortunately, she's about to find herself drawn into the world of the Le Comptes. A deadly creature lurks in the darkness, waiting to strike, while in the heart of the harbor town an old woman warns that the island is about to be struck by disaster.
Can Kate escape the interest of Edgar Le Compte? Is Edgar powerless to stop the forces of destiny? And as the souls of the dead prepare to return, can anyone ever truly escape the vengeance of the past?
This is the first book in the long-running Dead Souls saga. Each book ends with a cliffhanger, and readers are advised to start at the beginning. This is the 2022 edition of the original 2014 book.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2022
137 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Amy Cross
664 books1,686 followersAmy Cross writes novels and short stories in a number of genres, mainly horror, paranormal and fantasy. Books include The Farm, Annie's Room, The Island, Eli's Town and Asylum.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 30, 2018
So I am fairly certain that the author was drunk when she wrote this and no one did a read through to edit or proof this book, but besides that, I really enjoyed the story. I was totally sucked into the mystery and everything going on and eager to continue to see what comes next. This seems like it will be a really fun series. I haven't read any horror type books in almost 20 years so I was super excited to find these. The bonus is that they were free at the time so I scooped up all 12 of them. From what I understand, this story was written as a serial with over 50 short installments and then it was later combined into these 12 books.
Okay so the reason that I think the author was drunk or just crazy is that one of the characters, Ephram, lives with a woman named Anna who is 101 years old. This woman is either his mother or his grandmother. I don't know which because mother, grandmother, and son, grandson are all used interchangeably. At first I thought there were actually 3 people living there, Ephram, his mom, and his grandma, but I soon found out that there are just 2 people. He would literally go from saying mother in one sentence to grandmother in the very next sentence. It didn't just happen once or twice, it was the entire book. It was mind boggling. I kept waiting for the twist where it would be explained like an "ah-ha" moment, but nope, after completing book one, all I could ascertain is that the author didn't know whether she wanted the character to be a mom or a grandma and was very confused. It was really strange. There are other minor errors, but none so blatant or annoying as this.
Usually if a book has serious continuity issues, I am not really that interested in continuing with it or the series but I am really captivated by this. I already started book 2 and am totally into that as well.
Overall, I give this book 3.5 stars. If I was rating on the story alone, I would do 4-4.5 stars. I recommend this book. Just be prepared to look beyond the grandmother/mother issue. I can already tell you that so far book 2 is the same way but not as bad.
Okay so the reason that I think the author was drunk or just crazy is that one of the characters, Ephram, lives with a woman named Anna who is 101 years old. This woman is either his mother or his grandmother. I don't know which because mother, grandmother, and son, grandson are all used interchangeably. At first I thought there were actually 3 people living there, Ephram, his mom, and his grandma, but I soon found out that there are just 2 people. He would literally go from saying mother in one sentence to grandmother in the very next sentence. It didn't just happen once or twice, it was the entire book. It was mind boggling. I kept waiting for the twist where it would be explained like an "ah-ha" moment, but nope, after completing book one, all I could ascertain is that the author didn't know whether she wanted the character to be a mom or a grandma and was very confused. It was really strange. There are other minor errors, but none so blatant or annoying as this.
Usually if a book has serious continuity issues, I am not really that interested in continuing with it or the series but I am really captivated by this. I already started book 2 and am totally into that as well.
Overall, I give this book 3.5 stars. If I was rating on the story alone, I would do 4-4.5 stars. I recommend this book. Just be prepared to look beyond the grandmother/mother issue. I can already tell you that so far book 2 is the same way but not as bad.
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June 20, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (6/20/2018)!💝
June 17, 2018
A Great New Series from Amy Cross
A Great start on a new series, I'm always amazed at how quickly Amy can write! It's like the stories just pour out of her and she can barely write them down fast enough. No sooner has she has released one book, when you see she's done it again. I'm still amazed at how quickly she wrote all 12 books in this series. Hopefully I can read them all just as fast or I'll be suffering some serious sleep deprivation over the next month or so (depending how many sleepless nights I have). The only downside of Amy's writing so quickly and unfortunately a common event of almost every Amy Cross book, are the same typical Flaws. Those being the occasional and ever present typos and periodic sentence structure differences (but only if you're from the U.S. and not the U.K.). The sentence structure differences I believe are mostly a language thing which can be easily ignored (and why I called them differences). The spelling typos however will occasionally distract from the overall story flow. Thankfully they're not frequent enough to make me drop my rating (as I have with other books littered with typos).
The bottom line is that you will still find yourself drawn in and unable to put the book down, staying up late to read (or in my case pull a few all nighter so I could keep reading). Since I can't wait to see what happens next (or even how this series ends), I've already purchased all 12 books in this series!
A Great start on a new series, I'm always amazed at how quickly Amy can write! It's like the stories just pour out of her and she can barely write them down fast enough. No sooner has she has released one book, when you see she's done it again. I'm still amazed at how quickly she wrote all 12 books in this series. Hopefully I can read them all just as fast or I'll be suffering some serious sleep deprivation over the next month or so (depending how many sleepless nights I have). The only downside of Amy's writing so quickly and unfortunately a common event of almost every Amy Cross book, are the same typical Flaws. Those being the occasional and ever present typos and periodic sentence structure differences (but only if you're from the U.S. and not the U.K.). The sentence structure differences I believe are mostly a language thing which can be easily ignored (and why I called them differences). The spelling typos however will occasionally distract from the overall story flow. Thankfully they're not frequent enough to make me drop my rating (as I have with other books littered with typos).
The bottom line is that you will still find yourself drawn in and unable to put the book down, staying up late to read (or in my case pull a few all nighter so I could keep reading). Since I can't wait to see what happens next (or even how this series ends), I've already purchased all 12 books in this series!
September 4, 2023
⭐️: 4/5
🎃:3.5/5
Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back…or did it?
This book is CHILLING despite the fact that it’s only the beginning of the series!! I’m talking about, you feel an unsettling breeze from the first chapter! I’m no stranger to Amy Cross’ books and I’ve got to say this far, I’m not disappointed.
I feel like this book is a delightful brew of Bluebeard, The Haunted Mansion, Tuck Everlasting, and Edward Scissorhands. How you choose to interpret that is up to you, but those are the elements I got from this book.
I will say the structure is a bit peculiar, the writing, somewhat verbose and almost Victorian…or Transcendental, a bit slower, and may not be a favourite amongst those who aren’t fans of 3rd person, but I enjoyed this read. I feel like it stands out and is a solid reminisce on older tales with a touch of a contemporary thematics.
If you’re looking for a thrilling tale that makes you feel like you’re in the book—that masters the art of storytelling, look no further!
🎃:3.5/5
Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back…or did it?
This book is CHILLING despite the fact that it’s only the beginning of the series!! I’m talking about, you feel an unsettling breeze from the first chapter! I’m no stranger to Amy Cross’ books and I’ve got to say this far, I’m not disappointed.
I feel like this book is a delightful brew of Bluebeard, The Haunted Mansion, Tuck Everlasting, and Edward Scissorhands. How you choose to interpret that is up to you, but those are the elements I got from this book.
I will say the structure is a bit peculiar, the writing, somewhat verbose and almost Victorian…or Transcendental, a bit slower, and may not be a favourite amongst those who aren’t fans of 3rd person, but I enjoyed this read. I feel like it stands out and is a solid reminisce on older tales with a touch of a contemporary thematics.
If you’re looking for a thrilling tale that makes you feel like you’re in the book—that masters the art of storytelling, look no further!
October 13, 2022
Intriguing beginning to the series
I rarely read series beyond 4 or 5 volumes so I knew this series would be a stretch (but I'm thinking this entire series of short novels still pales compared to the Lord of the Rings trilogy).
Also, A friend of mine rated a different book (not of this series) by this author rather low and complained of typos. So I wasn't sure what to expect. But I was very pleased and intrigued by this initial volume in the series. I thought it presented a rather plausible backstory, interesting characters, ant several twists and surprises, with a story that differs nicely from the stereotypical vampire story, oh, and no typos -- I thought it was well written (maybe the volume my friend read had been rushed to market). Anyway, k look forward to the next volume to see what is in store!! Hope you will read along!!
I rarely read series beyond 4 or 5 volumes so I knew this series would be a stretch (but I'm thinking this entire series of short novels still pales compared to the Lord of the Rings trilogy).
Also, A friend of mine rated a different book (not of this series) by this author rather low and complained of typos. So I wasn't sure what to expect. But I was very pleased and intrigued by this initial volume in the series. I thought it presented a rather plausible backstory, interesting characters, ant several twists and surprises, with a story that differs nicely from the stereotypical vampire story, oh, and no typos -- I thought it was well written (maybe the volume my friend read had been rushed to market). Anyway, k look forward to the next volume to see what is in store!! Hope you will read along!!
July 16, 2022
Arrival on Thaxos (Dead Souls Book 1)
This book is intense in so many ways! I absolutely LOVED it! I couldn't put it down. Just had to know what was going to happen next. There is so much love, betrayal, suspense, and discovery. I can’t wait to learn more!!
I now HAVE to read book 2 now….
I definitely recommend this book and spectacular new series by an amazing author. - Amy Cross !!!
This book is intense in so many ways! I absolutely LOVED it! I couldn't put it down. Just had to know what was going to happen next. There is so much love, betrayal, suspense, and discovery. I can’t wait to learn more!!
I now HAVE to read book 2 now….
I definitely recommend this book and spectacular new series by an amazing author. - Amy Cross !!!
May 22, 2018
I have the original series and was unable to post a review because it vanished, however, part one is a great introduction to Kate and the island of Thaxos.
We are soon immersed in the mire of mystery and what is to come. The descriptions of the island, the village, its people and the strange man in the mansion are well done...I could feel the heat and the chills.
Good start.
We are soon immersed in the mire of mystery and what is to come. The descriptions of the island, the village, its people and the strange man in the mansion are well done...I could feel the heat and the chills.
Good start.
December 16, 2018
A strange one this.
For me this was not your typical Amy Cross story, entertaining as it was, it lacked her usual blend of dark, macabre, horror. It appeared to be a tale of supernatural romance, somewhat in the style of Anne Rice. I was generous in giving it four stars and a more accurate score would have been 3.5. Will I read the rest of the series? Not sure.
For me this was not your typical Amy Cross story, entertaining as it was, it lacked her usual blend of dark, macabre, horror. It appeared to be a tale of supernatural romance, somewhat in the style of Anne Rice. I was generous in giving it four stars and a more accurate score would have been 3.5. Will I read the rest of the series? Not sure.
June 17, 2022
Review is for the original version
This reads like it was a serial. Not much actually happened in this one. It was interesting to see the gothic descent, but some parts were gross and I didn't think much of the characters. Not my cup of tea, but it was pretty easy and quick to read.
This reads like it was a serial. Not much actually happened in this one. It was interesting to see the gothic descent, but some parts were gross and I didn't think much of the characters. Not my cup of tea, but it was pretty easy and quick to read.
December 10, 2018
Wow
I won’t ruin anything but wow what a great beginning to a series. Can’t wait to read the next one. This story keeps you guessing. Are the rumors and suspicions of La Compte true? Find out. Can’t wait to read the second . Great story so far. What a beginning.
I won’t ruin anything but wow what a great beginning to a series. Can’t wait to read the next one. This story keeps you guessing. Are the rumors and suspicions of La Compte true? Find out. Can’t wait to read the second . Great story so far. What a beginning.
May 7, 2021
Arrival on Thaxos (Dead Souls Book 1) by Amy Cross
I really loved the story and it held me from start to finish of a deadly history on the island of Thaxos. However, whomever edited this book, left lots of misprint. That was annoying.
I really loved the story and it held me from start to finish of a deadly history on the island of Thaxos. However, whomever edited this book, left lots of misprint. That was annoying.
January 7, 2024
I don't usually read horror but this is a great book. I was expecting the usual girl falls for mysterious tortured vampire guy but thus isn't one of those. At this point I'm not sure if he is a vampire. One of the characters keeps switching between calling his relative his grandmother to mother but having read 3 books I'm not sure that it's not part of the plot.
October 1, 2018
Great series
Some editing errors but not enough to retract from the story. I enjoyed the characters, the story itself. I will definitely read the next book in this series.
Some editing errors but not enough to retract from the story. I enjoyed the characters, the story itself. I will definitely read the next book in this series.
November 9, 2018
Good story, lots of typos
Story is interesting...but the typos are so abundant that they distract you from time to time. His makes great vacation book fodder.
Story is interesting...but the typos are so abundant that they distract you from time to time. His makes great vacation book fodder.
February 27, 2019
This is by far one of the best books I've read. Couldn't put it down...read the entire series & loved it!
Read
February 8, 2020The story is good and spellbinding, but the spelling and grammar is off.
June 15, 2018
I don't like books that leave you with lots of questions at the end. Happily, I don't have to wait months for the next book in the series. That being said, this is a good book. Great opening to the series.
Read
July 1, 2018All I can say is wow that was damn interesting....
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews