Forest of Souls

by Lori M. Lee Narrated by Cindy Kay

Overview

Sirscha Ashwyn comes from nothing, but she's intent on becoming something. After years of training to become the queen's next royal spy, her plans are derailed when shamans attack and kill her best friend, Saengo. And then Sirscha, somehow, restores Saengo to life. Unveiled as the first soulguide in living memory, Sirscha is summoned to the domain of the Spider King. For centuries, he has used his influence over the Dead Wood-an ancient forest possessed by souls-to enforce peace between the kingdoms. Now, with the trees growing wild and untamed, only a soulguide can restrain them. As war looms, Sirscha must master her newly awakened abilities before the trees shatter the brittle peace, or worse, claim Saengo, the friend she would die for.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Praise for Forest of Souls, Book One in the Shamanborn Trilogy

“Lee’s writing and characterizations all but guarantee this one will have a rabid fanbase craving more.” – Buzzfeed

“Lee is a masterful world-builder, creating intriguing scenarios and a compelling cast of characters, anchored by the strong portrayals of female friendship. For fans of Natasha Ngan and Joan He, and for any high ­fantasy ­collection.” – School Library Journal

“Sirscha’s path to discovery and acceptance is thoughtful and heartfelt... A refreshing fantasy for readers looking for more friendship and adventure, less romance.” – Kirkus Reviews

“With a backdrop of political intrigue, deep magic, and hidden roots, Forest of Souls is a tantalizing beginning to a rich new fantasy series.” —Traci Chee, New York Times best-selling author of The Reader trilogy

“With magic as luminous as it is terrifying, Lori M. Lee weaves a vibrant tapestry of sisterhood, self-discovery, and the long legacies of battles between good and evil. Absolutely enchanting.” – Natalie C. Parker, author of Seafire

“Non-stop action, political intrigue, and dark magic are woven into this silky-yet-fast-paced daydream of a fantasy. Lori M. Lee casts the perfect web of unforgettable characters and an intriguing plot—you won’t want to escape.” – Sarah Henning, author of the Sea Witch & Sea Witch Rising

“Set in a vibrant new world that's as enchanting and ethereal as it is dangerous, Forest of Souls drew me in from the very first page and held me captive in its spell of magic, intrigue, and the bonds of friendship. Perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir and Roshani Chokshi and will leave you shouting sisters unite!” – Mindee Arnett critically acclaimed author of Onyx & Ivory and Avalon

“A classic fantasy rooted in self-discovery, death-defying friendship, and political intrigue, Forest of Souls spins a tale as lush as its world. You can't help but want to see this dark journey through.” – Linsey Miller, author of the Mask of Shadows duology and Belle Révolte

School Library Journal

04/01/2020

Gr 7–10—Sirscha is an orphan with nothing going for her but her friendship with Saengo, and her aspirations to become the queen's next spy. When she and Saengo are caught up in a shaman attack, Sirscha demonstrates what no one knew: she has magic, too. The queen, however, has outlawed the practice of magic, making Sirscha and Saengo fugitives. Together, they travel through the Spider King's forest of bloodthirsty trees holding trapped souls so that Sirscha can learn to use her magic. But as Sirscha explores the limits of her power, she also learns that others—from the Spider King, to her own queen, to even the common people desperately looking to survive—are eager to use her power for their own ends. Ultimately, Sirscha must navigate political intrigue within and beyond her own kingdom, and uncover dark secrets and dark magic, if she hopes to bring about any sort of peace or justice. VERDICT Lee is a masterful world-builder, creating intriguing scenarios and a compelling cast of characters, anchored by the strong portrayals of female friendship. For fans of Natasha Ngan and Joan He, and for any high fantasy collection.—Zoë McLaughlin, Michigan State University, East Lansing

Kirkus Reviews

2020-04-05
From orphan to assassin-in-training to...savior of the kingdom?

Sirscha is focused on becoming the next queen’s Shadow. Training for the past four years, she has endured grueling trials and humiliations to prove herself among the elite. Less than a month from graduation, however, she intercepts a message that sets off a chain of events that derails her plans. Set on an unexpected path, Sirscha discovers new abilities and finds kinship with the persecuted shamanborn, those with elemental magic whom she once would have hunted down. If she can maintain some control, her powers may be able to help heal the rot in the kingdom, but Sirscha will ultimately question her loyalty to her queen and country. While the story skirts the “orphans of mysterious origins” trope, Sirscha’s path to discovery and acceptance is thoughtful and heartfelt. It is also refreshing to see a character too busy kicking butt to stop for romance. This is not an Asian fantasy per se but a fantastical adventure with some Asian touches, indicated through descriptions of landscape and food. Characters are described with a range of skin tones from deep bronze to gray. Also, it is implied that same-sex marriage is accepted as a given.

A refreshing fantasy for readers looking for more friendship and adventure, less romance. (glossary) (Fantasy. 14-18)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940177323312
Publisher:	Dreamscape Media
Publication date:	06/23/2020
Series:	Shamanborn , #1
Edition description:	Unabridged

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