Forest of Souls

Lori M. Lee

Jun 2020 · Shamanborn Series Book 1 · Sold by Page Street YA

About this ebook

Danger lurks within the roots of Forest of Souls, an epic, unrelenting tale of destiny and sisterhood, perfect for fans of Naomi Novik, Susan Dennard, and Netflix's The Witcher!

"A tantalizing beginning to a rich new fantasy series.” —Traci Chee, NYT bestselling author of The Reader trilogy
"Absolutely enchanting.” – Natalie C. Parker, author of Seafire
"You won’t want to escape.” – Sarah Henning, author of the Sea Witch
"Will leave you shouting sisters unite!” – Mindee Arnett, author of Onyx & Ivory and Avalon

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.

Ratings and reviews

It was in middle school that I started reading fantasy-adventure-coming of age books, and for the first time in a long time, this book brings me back to that instant of imagination and all that a girl can be. Sirscha Ashwyn is a cool, strong, smart, and hardheaded girl that only wants to be acknowledged and seen as somebody. She takes us on a journey of self-discovery and finding self-worth as she tries to uncover who she truly is and why the incident at the Teahouse happened...(You will have to read to find out!!). Overall loved the subtle changes to Sirscha on her journey, while still maintaining her spunk and hard headed personality. She is strong, but I love the flaws that she also has. This story has taught me that I don't have to follow anyone's expectations to feel happy, nor is there only one answer to a problem. Sometimes you just gotta take the bull by the horn and make some changes--good outcome or not!

Creepy, exciting, and full of action.

About the author

Lori M. Lee is the author of Gates of Thread and Stone and The Infinite. She's also a contributor in the anthologies A Thousand Beginnings and Endings (Greenwillow/Harper) and Color Outside the Lines (Soho Teen). She considers herself a unicorn aficionado, enjoys marathoning TV shows, and loves to write about magic, manipulation, and family. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband, kids, and an excitable shih tzu.