Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Blood of the Earth by Faith Hunter Series: Soulwood #1
Published by Roc on August 2, 2016
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 384
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Set in the same world as the New York Times bestselling Jane Yellowrock novels, an all-new series starring Nell Ingram, who wields powers as old as the earth.
When Nell Ingram met skinwalker Jane Yellowrock, she was almost alone in the world, exiled by both choice and fear from the cult she was raised in, defending herself with the magic she drew from her deep connection to the forest that surrounds her.
Now, Jane has referred Nell to PsyLED, a Homeland Security agency policing paranormals, and agent Rick LaFleur has shown up at Nell’s doorstep. His appearance forces her out of her isolated life into an investigation that leads to the vampire Blood Master of Nashville.
Nell has a team—and a mission. But to find the Master’s kidnapped vassal, Nell and the PsyLED team will be forced to go deep into the heart of the very cult Nell fears, infiltrating the cult and a humans-only terrorist group before time runs out…
I LOVED the start of this new series by a favorite author! The main character, Nell, was introduced in a Jane Yellowrock short story, Off the Grid. Nell is fascinating and on the brink of a new phase of her life. She is much younger than I felt originally. I am SO excited to learn more about Nell and watch her growth in the Soulwood series.
Nell works with a new PsyLED team, led by Rick LaFleur. I was afraid for Nell, all the time. But she was not stupid; she was strong and smart. The depth of the characters and the imagery of the world were spellbinding. The team dynamics were intriguing, as well as the team members. I really enjoyed them. I wondered about Soul, who was Rick’s partner, and Brute, who were not on this team. I look forward to learning more about PsyLED.
For those who have read the amazing Jane Yellowrock series, the new perspective on Rick LaFleur and his current life was captivating. I fell for Ricky Bo and then I felt angry and hurt, but still attracted to him there. Until I remember what he’s done, then I hate him. I feel none of that here in Nell’s world. Apparently, I do become the character somewhat. You can read Blood of the Earth without reading Jane Yellowrock, but you absolutely should read Jane because she is awesome.
Wow. The story has plenty of mystery, action and suspense. The standard practices of the cult are for mature audiences only, however. The church / cult wants Nell back and they are willing to do whatever they can to get her and her land under their control. The religious front for the horror show is disgusting. I love the path Nell takes and her situation at the end of the book. I can’t wait for Curse of the Land, book 2, to be published November 1, 2016.
The Book Nympho giveaway:
For a chance to win a print copy of Blood of the Earth by Faith Hunter, Please comment below and let us know why you love Jane!
US and Canada, ending August 6, 2016
Tour Wide Giveaway:
About Faith Hunter
Faith Hunter, fantasy writer, was born in Louisiana and raised all over the south. She writes three Urban Fantasy series: the Skinwalker series, featuring Jane Yellowrock, a Cherokee skinwalker who hunts rogue vampires. The Soulwood series, featuring earth magic user Nell Ingram. And the Rogue Mage novels, a dark, urban, post-apocalyptic, fantasy series featuring Thorn St. Croix, a stone mage. (There is a role playing game based on the series, ROGUE MAGE.)
Under the pen name Gwen Hunter, she writes action-adventure, mysteries, and thrillers. As Faith and Gwen, she has 30+ books in print in 29 countries.
Hunter writes full-time, tries to keep house, and is a workaholic with a passion for travel, jewelry making, white-water kayaking, and writing. She and her husband love to RV, traveling with their rescued Pomeranians to whitewater rivers all over the Southeast.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Jane Yellowrock has need on my TBR for so long and I’ve been dying to get there. I bear it’s really great!
This looks like a great read! Love the cover!
I hope this series is just as good as The Jane Yellowrock Series
I just know it’s going to be every bit as good in a different direction.
Super review! Thanks for hosting Faith’s book launch giveaway and blog tour stop. Awesome blog if I do say so myself 🙂
Can’t wait for this book to be released! Faith Hunter has done it again.
Because Jane is a kicka$$ protagonist! 🙂 Thanks for the review!
I am such a Jane Yellowrock fan and looking forward to reading about Nell. I was so curious about her in Office the Grid.
I haven’t had a chance to read Jane Yellowrock yet, but this book looked amazing. I didn’t know about the short story which introduces this character, so now I’ll have to go look it up. Thanks!
Thanks for the chance! The cover of the book looks amazing! I can’t wait to start the series
I love that Jane is a complex, layered character. She screws up, and sometimes she realizes it, other times she doesn’t. I think most readers can relate on some level.
Jane’s world is so believable. Everyone is nuanced, not simply good or bad. A favorite part is how she’s growing, how those around her grow and change by interacting with her.
I love your review! I love the Jane Yellowrock series, and can’t wait to read Blood of the Earth! From your description, im now even more curious to see how Ricky Bo is in this series. Thanks for hosting this stop!
I love Jane because she’s flawed but strong and relentless. I’m super excited to read a new series in the same world!
Faith Hunter never disappoints and I can’t wait for this series!
I’m one book behind in Jane’s series and I can’t wait to try this one out.
I am so very much looking forward to Faith’s new series!
Thanks!
Wow great review. I need to begin Jane Yellowrock books first.
Great review!
I love Jane because she is complex. She is strong but originally solitary, except for Beast, and even then they were more individual. With time and circumstances, she and those around her, including Beast, are overcoming the divide/barriers and becoming family. She honestly cares and has a moral compass that points true. She is a fierce fighter and protector. She is Jane, she is Beast, and I am glad to know her.
Thanks for hosting the tour. Love Jane, think Nell might become a favorite too. Only a few more days.
I love jane because she’s such a strong independent woman but still is sensitive to her friends and loved ones.
This is not my usual type of read, but it sounds like a great read. Definitely adding to my TBR list.
I love Faith because she is a unique and talented writer. Her Jane Yellowrock persona is one of my favorite characters. The union of Jane and Beast is truly a pleasure to experience and part of her uniqueness. The Cajun characterization by Khristine Hvam is absolutely wonderful and a joy to listen to. It would be an honor to meet Faith someday at a signing. All the best to you Faith.
The winner is Shannon l.
Thanks for all your wonderful comments and kind remarks about the review. It’s hard to give some information without being a spoiler. I stick to my feelings about the characters, overall feelings about the story and the plot. I try not to respond when I am using comments to provide entries into the giveaway. Sorry.
So yes, Jane Yellowrock is one of my very favorite series. Faith Hunter is a very favorite author. This book will definitely be one of my top reads this year. Anne