If it’s adventure on the high seas, magic, romance and gods ye be wanting, then you’ll want to grab Soulgazer by Maggie Rapier. This is the first book in the Magpie and the Wolf Duology. Swoons, danger and a sweet, sexy marriage of convenience await you….
by Maggie Rapier
Series: The Magpie and the Wolf Duology #1
Genres: Romantasy
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Heat Level:
Every legend has a beginning.
With their freedom on the line, a young woman and a rakish pirate take their fate into their own hands as they attempt to find a lost mythical isle with the power to save their entire world.
Saoirse yearns to be powerless. Cursed from childhood with a volatile magic, she's managed to imprison it within, living under constant terror that one day it will break free. And it does, changing everything.
Horrified at her loss of control, Saoirse’s parents offer her hand to the cold and ruthless Stone King. Knowing she'll never survive such a cruel man, Saoirse realizes there is only one path forward…she must break her curse.
On the eve of her wedding, Saoirse seeks out the legendary Wolf of the Wild—Faolan, a feral, silver-tongued pirate. He swears to help rid her of the deadly magic, if she’ll use it to locate a lost mythical isle first. Crafted by the slaughtered gods, it’s the only land that could absorb her power.
But Saoirse knows better than to trust a pirate’s word. With the wrath of her disgraced father and scorned betrothed chasing them, Saoirse adds one last condition to protect if Faolan wants her on his ship, he'll have to marry her first.
Soulgrazer wasn’t even on my radar for 2025 until it came across my desk. The publisher was so excited that she sold me on it. I am so glad because this addictive tale with pirates and a cursed princess held me captive from the first page.
In this romantasy we have kingdoms, kings and magic. Saoirse’s father, the king, believes her cursed and has kept her from touching anyone since her brother died along the shores. The king has arranged for her to marry the Stone King. But to do that, he must bind her magic. They begin the process, but Saoirse escapes with the Faolan, the Wolf of the Wild. The Wolf has been searching for the girl with the ocean eyes who will lead him to the Isle of the Lost. The two undergo a handfasting ceremony by Faolan’s Queen.
The ship and its crew head out to sea in search of the Isle of the Lost, but to do that, Saoirse must reawaken her power. Along the way they encounter danger, storms and we get the backstories on our FMC and hero. The chemistry is there and once the two let go of their fears and open up. The crew was interesting, as resentment gave way to trust.
This was a fast-paced tale that was not without flaws, but I loved the world-building, soulstones, magic and Irish mythology weaved into the story. We’ve got betrayal, twists and more that kept me reading. Plus, how can you not love pirates on the high sea with danger and adventure?
The interaction between Saoirse and Faolan from the onset was electric and filled with delightful back-and-forth banter and snark that gave way to deeper emotions and passion. The ending left me grinning and I cannot wait to see what book two in this duology brings.
About Maggie Rapier
Born in the South with a healthy streak of wanderlust, Maggie is an incurable romantic who loves nothing more than wordplay and witchcraft—except, perhaps, her sourdough starter. When she’s not marketing French antiques or writing about moody girls and sexy pirates, you can find her wandering in the woods with her partner, and a basket in hand.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Katherine
I’ve just gotten into romantasy and this one looks good! Regardless of genre I’m always on board for evolving relationships. I’ll have to pick this one up!
Laurel-Rain Snow
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Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
That’s happened for me with a few fantasies I’ve read lately that I almost didn’t read even when the publisher sent them to me. This one is now on my TBR after the good reviews I’ve been seeing. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Jen Twimom
Oh, this does sound really good – and like you, I’d not heard of it. I love that it’s only going to be a duology so it’s easy to get the whole story.
Bree Dalton
The cover of this one has me sold.
Anne- Books of My Heart
Sounds like I should try to fit this one in. Great review!
Mary Kirkland
This sounds good, hopefully the next book is just as good.
Ethan
Swashbuckling and swoon-worthy!
Sophia Rose
I do love it when a book sneaks up on me and ends up captivating me. A fantasy with a piratical adventure sounds fab to me. Enjoyed the review, Kimberly!
Nadene
Soulgazer sounds interesting.