Saoirse is a girl who has been cursed her entire life and feels deep responsibility for a tragedy that occurred. Faolan is legendary, a well-known pirate who is intent on finding the girl with ocean eyes to lead him in a quest. When Saoirse is trapped in an unwanted betrothal, escaping with Faolan and his crew is her only hope. Yet Saoirse needs a guarantee of safety, so a marriage of convenience is struck. Faolan and Saoirse explore the connection between them as they adventure across the seas.

I feel incredibly lucky to be on the street team for Soulgazer! Soulgazer is the type of book that captivates your soul while reading it. Maggie Rapier has crafted an atmospheric and transportive tale. Maggie’s writing style is excellent. I was particularly in awe of each opening chapter line and ending line. It made it very hard to put the book down, because I had to find out what happened next! Saoirse goes through intense character growth as she faces the power that she has always believed was a curse. I particularly loved Saoirse’s journey of learning to express anger and gain agency in her own life. Maggie also includes beautiful sensory details that paint a vivid scene. Readers will feel the caress of the wind and the spray of the sea as they read.

Maggie Rapier understands the power of stories and legends, especially what makes a good one. In her adventures with Faolan, Saorise learns what it means to be a legend and must decide whether she wants that for herself. The crew that surrounds Faolan are a delightful crew of found family. I loved when Saoirse became one of their wolf pack! Faolan and Saoirse are crafted with interesting flaws and secrets that slowly unfurl to reveal the desperate bargains they’ve struck. They experience intense chemistry and every touch is filled with tension. Faolan is book boyfriend material, especially for the Captain Hook girlies.

Saoirse and Faolan are characters that will live in your mind long after the final page. The ending is chillingly good, as Saoirse’s choices will absolutely come back to haunt her newfound love with Faolan. I can't wait to see how the story continues!

Readers who enjoy Adrienne Young, Rebecca Ross, and Isabel Ibañez will love Soulgazer.

Thank you to Maggie Rapier, Ace, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.