Brogan and Lula Gauge have spent a lifetime traveling Route 66, hunting the monsters that attacked them and left Brogan an earthbound spirit and Lula a near-vampire. They never wanted to catch the attention of Cupid, the god of connections and destruction. They never expected the god to want to strike a deal with them, either.
Cupid's deal brought Brogan back to life, but now they owe the god a favor. They must find the spell book of the gods. A book of magic so powerful, it could destroy the world.
The hunt for the book leads them down the Mother Road, across Kansas and Oklahoma, and straight into the sights of a seer who is not a seer, a healer who is not a healer, and a man from their past who carries a deadly secret.
But for a chance to finally have the life together they want, a life they were cheated out of years ago, Brogan and Lula will fight any monster, face any magic, and take on any foe.
Devon Monk is a national best selling writer of urban fantasy. Her series include Ordinary Magic, House Immortal, Allie Beckstrom, Broken Magic and Shame and Terric. She also writes the Age of Steam steampunk series, and the occasional short story which can be found in her collection: A Cup of Normal, and in various anthologies. She has one husband, two sons, and lives in Oregon. When not writing, Devon is either drinking too much coffee or knitting silly things.
This book really brought about a lot for Lula and Brogan. They had to face some things from their past, make choices in the present that put them in danger and decide who to ally with for their future. It seemed like at every turn they were in peril and one of them getting hurt. Much could be said for Abbi too, she was right there with them in every choice. In the end they did what needed to be done, made those hard choices and now this odd little family will battle whatever comes their way.
Hmmmm, Brogan is confused and I AM confused as well (as reader). There are too many things hidden from our main characters, and I don't really enjoy that. Like gods have plan, the seer has plans, and I don't see the endgame. BUT things pick up better in the second half.
And I still want to see Brogan, Lula, Abbi, Lorde, and Hado ends up at Ordinary. Especially since also makes an appearance here. Meaning this series definitely share the same universe.
Sheesh. The amount of "everyone, but us knows what's happening to us" going on in this one was a bit overwhelming. But, these two seem to be able to make it through anything - together. I loved Abbi's bits, as well as her intriguing shadow's.
One of the best parts ... Than, his tourist getup and kite. 😊 Are fans going to see a Souls of the Road and Ordinary Magic crossover? Christmas is just around the corner and that would be a fun gift!
I'm a fan of Monk's UF series and this one continues to improve with each installment.
Each book in this Souls of the Road series has been a fantastic adventure, following along as Lula and Brogan Gauge, with their faithful doggy companion Lorde, seek to fulfill their agreement with a god to find a dangerous book, not fully realizing just how deadly their mission is and what consequences they may face. In this story they are accompanied by the moon rabbit (in the shape of a little girl), Abbi and her shadow, Hado (who is usually either a large black panther or a small black house cat). When Brogan is contacted by the seer Eunice, things are further complicated and made a bit easier at the same time. She is helpful, but wants something from them as well. There is more information learned about the monsters that attacked them over a hundred years ago and made them what they are, and that they have been searching for ever since. And there is danger, pain, love and the strength of family, all wrapped up in a very real feeling world of monsters, gods, and other richly drawn, fascinating characters. I look forward to reading more in this wonderful series, hopefully soon.
I liked this third installment of the Souls of the Road. Now that Cupid has given him a new solid form, Brogan is having to deal with what it’s like to be human again. Lourde and Lula are just happy to have him back. Abbi, the rabbit in the moon and her shadow, Hado, join them in their quest to find the Gods Spellbook along Route 66. Other beings are intent on interfering and they must figure out a way to keep from being destroyed by supernatural forces. I like the way this series involves the characters from the Ordinary Magic series. I wish Ryder had been present to help with the contract, though. I’m looking forward to the next book in both series.
This book features Brogan, Lula, and Abbie questing for The Book of God's Spells. A muse gets involved. There's almost too much happening in this one, actually - too much God involvement and too many mysterious quests, and too many fights and injuries. Also annoying was when the villain found Brogan and Lula, s/he was in the guise of someone they knew 100 years ago, and yet later that same disguised villain was trying to convince Brogan magic was real. Why on earth would Brogan not know magic was real?
This review is based on the Graphic Audio production, so I don't know how much of the story was abridged.
The latest instalment in Lula and Brogan's story, this one reveals more about who else is after The Book and Why. We also get more Abbi (Moon Rabbit) and Cupid, as well as a Muse. Clearly setting up for at least one more book, which I'm looking forward to.
Love the writing in these. I found Devon Monk via an anthology which contained a story from The Crossroad's POV, so I admit I am biased in her direction (which means I think Brogan is kind of a jerk, TBH, at least where she is concerned.) I'd love to see more from Crossroad, and Valentine!
I looked forward to this third book, having enjoyed the first two in the series I did have to finish it in a little haste, as I was worried. I did not want this to be the last of a story arc nor miss the key players. But if that is indeed the outcome, the end of this part of the journey is satisfying. It leaves room for more journies if the muse intends! Thank you Devon Monk!
Interesting characters, which I personally identify with, make this third novel (the entire series, actually) a fantastic read. Devon tossed in a couple of very pleasant surprises for fans of her writing!
This is a very interesting series. I like these characters and the experiences. We learn more about who and what the main characters are after in this story.
This is a story with lots of twisty turney threads to keep you guessing. Delightful job, Ms. Monk! It was also fun to meet a vacationing god from Ordinary!
For fans of Devon Monk this hits all the right, familiar notes. I'm enjoying how the narratives of Lula and Brogan unfold and the appearance of Than was delightful.
It seemed like this was going to just be another book of side quests, but then it connected with the over-arcing storyline and became much more enjoyable.