Great story, brilliantly narrated.

Compelling and well written. The narrator brought the characters to life. I can't wait for the second book.

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looking forward

I enjoyed this book so much that I eagerly await the finale. carver of souls.

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very good

Loved it !! this story. the narrator is so fantastic it's like your really there!! good overall

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Mind Blowing!

This book blew me away!! It deserves more than five stars, no joke! Seriously so good, I'm almost speechless! 😉

From the start, there's excitement and action. Immediately dropping you into the story and you won't get back out until the story is done, and trust me you won't want to. At first I was a little confused as I got my bearings and could grasp the story, but once I did I was hooked!

You meet a bunch of characters, and there is three total POV's with it mostly being from Sela's perspective. The other two are from Caleb the MMC and love interest and Leeran her older brother. She has so much sadness, hurt, anger, and doubt in The Carver (which is Representative of Jesus in this world). She goes through so much in this story but also grows as well.

I loved Sela's character she is brave, strong, so loving and caring. She cares for those no one else would and fights for the helpless. Wrongs are committed against her, but she grows stronger from it, she sees the underlying good. Selfless to the core, she would sacrfice herself in a heart beat if it meant saving someone she loves. She even by the end comes to see the truth of The Carver, at least partially. I think she still has some learning to do but she trusts Him and believes He can be merciful.

Caleb is part of the righteous(more on that in a bit), he is supposed to be her enemie, and their love is forbidden. But he can't stop protecting her, and he's such a great guy. He's kind, strong, and wants to do what's right. In this story he learns of his world's corrupt thinking and though he thought he was on the right side, he comes to the realization that maybe they aren't as good and moral as he has believed. He loves Sela from the beginning and gives her so many kindnesses and constantly seeks her out despite it being against the rules.
Their romance is sweet and wholesome, full of saving each other, and helping the other to grow.

The world building! My goodness she did such an amazing job! Not only in the descriptions of the world which is very well detailed, but in how the world works. There is two main settings in the book, the Old Town, and Azazel. Even the government, and world system it was all so interesting! There are the Righteous as I mentioned before, they pretty much run the place, and tell everyone else about The Carver and His will and what they are supposed to do. And in this world the first born child once they've reached the age of eighteen go into a lot to determine if they are souless or not. One child is picked each year by the Righteous, branded on the hand, and exhiled to Azazel. There is more to it but you'll just have to read to find out 😉

But all of that to say that this story covers messages about mercy, forgiveness, false prophets, truth. The characters discover that The Carver (Jesus) does not consider them any less worthy because they are branded, He does not make them souless. He loves them, cares for them, and does have true mercy not what they are taught is His mercy. I cannot put into words how well this was done and how ingrained in the story it was. Seriously it was amazing, such beautiful messages, and an amazing story!

This book was one thing after another, plot twists everywhere, excitement, romance, and things bigger than any of them happening, there's more to be learned in the next book. And I can't wait! This is a new favorite and a must read in my opinion!

The Narrator did an amazing job voicing the characters and getting me really engrossed in the story. Really brought the characters to life giving them voices and feelings. It was all so well done!

Content: No-Spice/kisses only, no swearing, attempted rape(nothing happens), death, murder, violence, branding of people(process isn't described), prostitutes, suggestive comments, a side character has an abusive husband(only aftermath bruises are described), wounds, a character gets whipped on the back, (nothing is gory or graphic).

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Redemption and forbidden connection!

J.J. Fischer's "The Soul Mark," narrated by Tawnya Rollingson, intertwines gripping prose with skilled narration that brings Sela and Caleb's enthralling journey to life. Fischer's writing deftly explores themes of redemption and forbidden connection, making every moment pulse with intrigue. Rollingson's narration adds depth to each character, capturing the tension and passion that define this spellbinding duology opener.

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Stunning parallels!

I truly enjoyed this world building, paralleled story of Jesus’ sacrifice and love. There is so much beauty in the details and the character development with Sela and Caleb, along with many others you come to know and adore! One of the best Christian fantasy stories I’ve read in a long while.

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Loved the story

Great narration. Loved the whole story. Great characters. Can’t wait to read book two in the series.

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1 person found this helpful

A pirate take full of heart.

The Soul Mark is a rich tale that will have you questioning what it means to be pure and what it is to love someone when simply touching them can cost you your soul. It is filled with romance, pirates, and characters who fight for each other at their own risk. I loved it and can't wait to read book two.

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Best narrator ever!

Tawnya Rollingson brings this book to live and gives the characters vivid personality in her reading of the book “The Soul Mark”!

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Amazing story and narrator

An intriguing religion with some interesting take on souls and some strong examples of blind faith. Will definitely be looking for the next book to find out how it ends
The narrator did a great job and I hope she continues with the next book.

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