Outback Spirit

Australian Supernatural #1

by Nicole R. Taylor

Opal, snakes, and supernatural beings. In Outback Australia, there’s more than one thing that’ll kill you…and it’s not entirely human.

Deep in the harsh and unforgiving Australian Outback lies the sleepy opal mining town of Solace. Frequently bypassed by all but the desperate, there’s nothing spectacular about it…on the surface.
Solace is a haven for supernatural outcasts. A witch runs the general store, a vampire cuts and polishes opal, the mechanic is a werewolf, a fae is the local layabout, and an elemental works the mine.
Everyone has a past, and the Exiles of Solace are no exception. But when a curious new arrival appears in town, they’ll do whatever it takes to protect their home…and the secrets each of them would die to protect.

Welcome to Solace, Outback Australia, where deep underneath the iconic red earth, lies more than glittering opal.

Outback Spirit is the first book in Australian Supernatural, a magical series set in the red heart of Outback Australia where myth and magic live alongside the harsh and unforgiving land.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Mystery, Australia, Ebooks, Vampires

346 pages, Paperback

First published February 5, 2021

About the author

Nicole R. Taylor is an Australian Urban Fantasy author.
She lives in the western suburbs of Melbourne dreaming up nail biting stories featuring bad-ass witches, duplicitous vampires, hunky shape shifters and devious monsters.
She likes chocolate, cat memes and video games.
When she’s not writing, she likes to think of what she’s writing next.


AVAILABLE SERIES:
The Witch Hunter Saga (Urban Fantasy) Series Complete!
The Crescent Witch Chronicles (Urban Fantasy) Series Complete!
The Arondight Codex (Urban Fantasy)

And more coming soon!


Find out more about Nicole and her books by visiting:
https://www.nicolertaylorwrites.com

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Reviews

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

2022 bk 30. I am not feeling well - usually I do not tolerate books well when I'm not feeling well. Taylor's paranormal community set in the Australian Outback gave me a reason to hope that I would feel better soon, and read it again. A main character who doesn't know who she is, a community of paranormal misfits, and a weaving of tales of the dreamtime conspired to keep me interested despite my ennui. Well done suspenseful paranormal with a few errors (definitely not differences between American and Australian English), but still enjoyable. When I have the strength I will be ordering more in the series.

[Reah N. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Urban fantasy is a genre I usually enjoy but already from the start I did not connect with the story.

Not sure what exactly ruined it for me. I never quite understood the plot, didn't quite care about the characters, and the magical world and creatures were left as vague ideas at best in my mind, though somehow Eloise managed to make sense of it all. The frequent cursing, the few mature references, and the blood and violence didn't help, either.

Content:
Shifter routinely appears without clothing. Kissing. Eloise discovers she (and Kyne and all their kind) are the unwanted consequences of tryst between elementals and humans. One or two mentions of women's body parts and a woman wanting to "get into his [Kyne's] pants"
Mentions of the world millions of years ago, people can talk to spirits and animals, the sea is spoken of as if with power, there are other realities and worlds.
A man is caged. Blood and fighting. Past murder. A dino head is shipped to someone's house as a threat.

[Annette Aguilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique

An amazing plot, unique, wacky characters full of magic and mayhem! Good and evil beings fight to protect their town, friends, and the seal! The characters are so realistic and relatable, you get sucked into their lives and fight! You root for the exiles and hope they win!

[Michele bookloverforever · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing. Complex. Intriguing. Revealing.

[Dallass · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful surprise.

I was very hesitant about getting this book as I don’t have a great track record with a lot ofAustralian authors who dip into paranormal fiction. So when I got to the end of the sample chapters and still wanted to continue on, then I bought this and crossed my fingers.

Thankfully it was wonderful. I know the area it was set in (224km north-ish of Lightning Ridge) and I could picture the landscape, feel the oppressive heat and the seemingly barren landscape that hosts a surprising array of wildlife. The characters are very Aussie without getting into that very over the top lingo, which I appreciated, and I loved how not only were there the usual supernatural suspects (vampire, witch, werewolf, elementals, fae, etc.) but it all centred around the Dreaming and indigenous lore. Very interesting.

Will definitely be continuing on with the series.

4.5 stars ⭐️

[Mayhem-RW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eloise Hart’s motorhome broke down just a little ways from a small town in the outback, and to get it repaired, she would have to stay awhile while a part was delivered. And just like any town in the middle of nowhere, AKA BFE, there were friendly and not-so-friendly people who populated it. She would meet them in their human form. But she had her own problems. She did not touch anyone. Eloise even goes to extreme measures to avoid contact with others, but she soon would find out that the other people in the town had their own reasons to keep who they truly were a secret. Because a normal human would freak out if they knew they had met a vampire, a werewolf, a shifter, an elemental, and a witch.

Having grown up in the United States of America, I realize that the version of English we use is different from the rest of the world. While I read this book, I noticed those differences, but they were not the type you need to have a dictionary for. The character’s history is, of course, part of the story. The character’s interaction is believable. The physical world-building gives you an idea. The ethereal world-building does a good job of finishing that picture.

This fictional, fantastical, paranormal first-kiss romance has a little action and adventure in it. I give this tale five stars out of five stars.

[Nico · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars


This was fun and a solid read. The writing didn't blow me away and the dialogue wasn't, like, stunning, but it was an engaging story with great characters, interesting magic, a special care towards Indigenous people, and a sweet romance. I loved the Aussie setting, and I am also a massive, massive sucker for a found family trope which was featured here, so that was fantastic. I really fell in love with the the community of Solace and I found myself wondering where everyone came from, what their stories were, and I liked picking up answers slowly along the way.

The romance was sweet, a very very quick attraction, but I'm a sucker for the touch-starved trope, so. I liked it. Everything was very chaste (which was a switch considering my recent reading lol) but no L words were dropped, so I was content that it stayed as quick reciprocal attraction that was starting to blossom quite nicely.

This is available with no charge on Kobo by the way, so if you want, it's a 100% risk free and FREE free read. Unfortunately my library doesn't carry this series and I don't think I'll be putting out money for this at the moment, but if it ever becomes available I'll likely pick up Book 2.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drawn in

Just as Writer Taylor's main character Eloise is drawn to Solace, I was drawn into the story from the first few sentences. Besides being my absolute favorite paranormal subgenre--someone discovering their abilities--it resonates with me personally.

I, too, live in an RV full time (a dream fulfilled) and am creating my life essentially from scratch. Though I have a solid support system, in the end, it's a solo effort. My abilities, where I shone professionally, were stripped away by health issues. Just as her abilities were wonky at the start, so are mine now. But I can feel them inside, wanting to emerge again. And like Eloise, I am not quite sure what form they will take.

I suspect this book will resonate with anyone who has had to search to find their abilities, to find who they can be. And resonate for anyone who has had their life go inside out, just as it did for Eloise when she was a teen.

Aside from all that, the writing is engaging, the world building excellent, and the people intriguing. If you haven't had a visit to the Australian outback, you are in for a unique experience. Oh, and enjoy the plot twists!

Content: it's a clean read.

Happy reading!

~Sagian

[Narelle Richards · Rating 3 out of 5]

I stumbled across this book when looking at some different Australian authors. I would lean towards the three and half stars and I imagine that the next books would develop this world more quite well. I did like the premise of Solace and the various supernatural folk who make it a place for Exiles to live safely. Eloise has been looking for something or someone to explain why she has certain abilities or effects on people. When her motorhome breaks down in the Australian outback - she is forced to stay in the small town of Solace while the necessary part arrives to fix it. She discovers quickly that there is more to this town then just the dust and the heat including maybe the answers she has been looking for. It was a solid read - I just felt like, at times, I suddenly was in the thick of things without really knowing the characters or circumstances that well. I wanted a bit more world building I think, however that being said all the characters were very likeable and I will probably eventually delve again into this world at some point.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eloise Hart has some strange abilities that have created complications in her life. Needing to get away, she decides to search for answers out in the middle of nowhere. When her motorhome breaks down in a small town in outback Australia and she’s forced to park behind the mechanics shop while waiting for the expensive part to arrive. But the town of Solace is not what it seems. It’s inhabitants have their own secrets and want to know hers.

Solace is surrounded by isolated opal mines. Each one hidden and kept secret. Using his special sense, Kyne Brady has finally found the seam of black opal he’s been searching for, but he needs to be careful that others don’t find and steal it.

Footnote: 1) if you like this series you’ll like ‘Midnight, TX, by Charlene Harris. Very similar plots.

Fave scenes: Eliose learning to work potch, following Marlu, how Eloise go the guy to back down and Eloise’s solution to the dingo pack.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alone in her ancient motor home on a deserted strip of highway in the Australian outback, Eloise Hart doesn't need automotive problems. But, that's just what she gets. Could her life get any more complicated? As she slowly coaxes her debilitated vehicle along, she has no idea what's waiting for her in the next little town. I was drawn into Eloise's predicament immediately and just knew this was going to be a fantastic story. With the indigenous folks evoking spirits, potions and witchcraft, shapeshifters, and characters with supernatural abilities, I was not disappointed. This was an exciting tale with cruel, nasty villains bent on mayhem and goodhearted, exiled loners just looking to protect the town people they considered family in the little out of the way settlement they called home. Great Story! Good Read!!!!!

[Stormy McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Outback Spirit. Written in third person limited, we get to spend a bit of time viewing the town and events from each of the major characters' PoV. There were very few typos, and one misuse of the adjective 'myriad' (my personal pet peeve).

The story flowed well, without the glut of violence and profanity prevalent in so many recent urban fantasies. In general, this was a coming of age type story, with a well written showdown at the climax. I can hardly wait to read the next story in this series!

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Supernatural meets the Australian outback. I have to say, it really worked for me. It was very well written with good characters, and lots of drama and mystery. It was steeped in Australian culture, so I wonder if non-Australians would find it confusing at times, but as an Aussie, I thought it was great.

The one thing was that maybe it was a little heavy on the information about opals. I got the impression that the author knew a lot and wanted everyone to know it.

Apart from that, all good. I will happily read the next book in this series.

[Karyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique page-turner....

Loved this book. It was unique in how it approached the supernatural. It did not overshare information, but trickled it out as Eloise discovered it herself. The characters are flawed, as we all are, and therefore very relatable, despite whatever supernatural abilities they may have.

The mystery is unique as well, and ongoing. While one battle is won at the end of this first book, the full mystery is still ongoing.

Will definitely look for book two.

[Laura Kimmel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paranormal in the Australian Outback...

A girl with problems touching anyone finds herself stranded in a very small town full of paranormals. Oh wait, there is a token kind hearted human just to throw into the mix. I loved the story and can't wait for the next one. This story is where opals are found. The author did some explaining about opals and how they were created. That was interesting to me as that is my birthstone.

[Rowenna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me fascinated to the last page. I loved the Australian lore peppered throughout the book. This is an easy read without a complicated world to untangle, yet really new and interesting. The book could be a stand alone story. Most mysteries are sown up,, with just a slight tease to continue on. I'm anxious to read the next book because this one was so good.

[Barrie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusual to say the least.

Set in the Australian outback this is a mix of magic myth legend and the aboriginal dream walking, with a town of paranormal and elementals protecting a secret buried beneath the town. The harsh world of the outback comes to life on these pages and the characters and storylines will keep you turning pages till the unexpected ending. One not to be missed, Baz.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the blend of aboriginal and regular supernatural beings. It's the beginning of a lot, lot more done in such a way that you feel semi-satisfied. You've met everyone, you tried the chips and dips, it was good but now you want to see what the pool is like and whether or not the DJs got the right kind of music. I mean, that doesn't relate to the plot of the book but you know what I mean! Well paced, interesting blend of supes, smidgeon of love story and a dash of violence.

[Annette Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great original story

This story is so wildly different than any other I have read and the setting is great, so much colour in fauna, flora and peoples, wonderful.
Apart from having a really entertaining plot a great cast of characters the story is told cleanly, it’s wonderful.
I especially liked the kangaroo which plays pivotal roles.
So easy to imagine it all happening, that’s how good the writing is.

[Brian Busby · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant read , a well it together storyline and a group of characters on their own are loners but put together in this town is just the right mix but who would have considered to use this mix.
This is a difficult book to review without giving spoilers,but I will say the book shows what kindness and happiness a well put together storyline has on making you wish for more when you finish .
I absolutely recommend this book.

[Psyckers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read from an Australian author that masters world building to feel different, yet familiar to what you have experienced before. The characters here are nuanced and described well with their own familiar feeling of people you know. There is plenty of plot here too as characters have their own beliefs, needs, motives, and intriguing secrets.
Certainly you will feel the hot, dustiness of this outback town as you read it.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the start of the series about a young woman finding herself in the outback of Australia. As the main character breaks down in a small opal mining town she realizes things aren’t quite as they seem and awakens to her own powers from which she’s been running. It’s an engaging start to a series with interesting and complex characters.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I really enjoyed this. I love urban fantasy books and have been annoyed/disappointed at the lack of Australian stories, so this was a great find!
I'm unsure about the depiction of the Indigenous man, but I'm not exactly qualified to talk about that so will leave that discussion to someone else.

Overall this was great!

[Joseph K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book set in Australia

This was a fun book set in Australia. I have read a lot of fantasy books but very few have had any of the scenes set in Australia. This was nice to have the setting there, the characters were interesting, the Dreamtime was nice to see mixed in, and overall it was a lot of fun to read. I recommend this book,

[Kay Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outback shines

What a wonderful story set in the most mystical of places. The outback either grabs your heart and never quite lets go or it turns you away. Outback Spirit captures all the romance, danger, mystery and red dust then mixes it with the most amazing characters to make this book impossible to put down.

[Birgit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initially I found it a bit confusing, but that was quickly sorted, and the story gained in speed and nail-biting suspense.
More please, so refreshingly different from other shifter/were-whatever/vampire story, with a great narration style and equally great and likeable characters. Can't wait to get the 2nd one in this series.

[Trudi Edwards-Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely, Pleasantly, Unexpected

I have read a LOT of books about paranormals, but this is a first. This author has created something completely different. If you are a fan of magic and those who don't "fit in with everyone else," come check out The Exiles living in Solace, Australia. The imagery is amazing, and the storyline is phenomenal!

[Meehlticket · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellently written story!

This was an excellently written story. It had intreging characters trying to live their lives and solve their own and the town's problems. It had drama and mystery, threats of violence. This story also had sweet romance. The last page sweetly summed it up, "Everything was as it should be.."

[Jardine Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I absolutely loved reading Elosie's story and finding her family. Nothing like all supernatural beings becoming a family. Of you like supernatural reads you will enjoy Outback Spirit.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slice of life story in the supernatural

This was a slice of life story in the supernatural, very lazy type readings type perfect on a summer day, but overall a bit boring.

Mixed - lazy fun summer read that is very slow paced