Forest of Souls

Read through this so fast and fell so in love with the characters (aside from the main characters, Theyen is a fave!). I love that the focuses on friendship and sisterhood. The action was fast paced and I couldn't peel my eyes away towards the end of the book. The world building is just sooo decadent. Can't wait for the sequel!

Absolutely stunning.This book got me hooked from the first line. The characters are all good written and the plot is mind blowing. It’s a dark magical tale with a wonderful friendship. I don’t want to spoil anything but this is absolutely a must read. The author has become one of my favorites and I will be anxiously waiting for the sequel! This is your sign to go read forest of souls. I assure you, you won’t regret

This book was just amazing really, I read it so fast. Sirscha is just an amazing character, so is Saengo an their beautiful sisterhood. Also I am so in love with Theyen and Meilik and hope we get to see more of them in the next book! I loved everything about this and cannot wait to see how it will desenvolve in Broken Web. Super recommendation for 2021!

I really really really wanted to enjoy this book. I was definitely anticipating to read this book since I heard of the release. I was intrigued to know that Lori Lee is a Hmong Author and this was gonna be a fantasy series based on the magical element of Hmong Shamanism... unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book.SPOILERS:The world building and magic system was so confusing. Even after reading this book, I’m still confused on where the countries lie and how close or how long you’d need to be with your familiar to be able to use your magic. The creatures in this world was also another element that came and went. There are so many moving parts that once one was introduce, the previous one is lost in abstract until Sirscha speaks of it again. Everything was just everywhere.I definitely know what they wore and what they ate. But I still don’t know about all the elements of the shamanborns and shamanblessed. Sirscha still doesn’t know her abilities, even in the end, she’s still confused and still “trying” to figure it out. Which has become repetitive, because she keeps “trying” throughout the book, but still doesn’t explain what she’s tryna do. And what the magic that consumes her actually does.This was definitely a plot drive series versus a developed one. I still know nothing about Sirscha, Saengo, Theyen, Ronin, Kendara, Jonyah, Prince Meilek, or Queen Mei... Every character were either apart of a plot or they were irrelevant. They don’t go beyond the situation at hand. And theirs no true reason why each plot happens besides getting captured and fighting to run away.The Sisterhood/friendships were hard to connect. There was supposed to be a strong connect between Sirscha and her best friend Saengo. But instead, throughout the book, Sirscha just keeps telling us that they are best friend and how much she cares for Saengo. But she is always thinking only about herself, her upbringing, her wanting validation, her comparing herself to Saengo -class/wealth/privilege-; there’s a lot of “telling” how strong she is, but all I get is self pity and all talks. I don’t see any bond, or true friendship at all.What happened to Kendara? Even til the end, we still don’t know what happened to her. Or did I miss it?Sirscha’s character was all over the place as well. One moment she’s fierce and ready to fight, the next she’s doubting herself. She’s pretty selfish, I don’t see her sisterhood bond at all. If she’s so close to Saengo, why always take afraid her. Sirscha make Saengo portray as very weak, when she should be as strong and as tough as Sirscha. Sirscha keeps dwelling on the idea of wanted to belong to something when her character is portray to be independent, resilient, and fierce. She seems to want to be praised and become a leader and bring change, but her character needs more growth and more development to do so. Her character is quite immature to be able to “lead” the shamanborn and shamanblessed.Hopefully the 2nd book can be more focused and developed so we can get to know the world and the people more. Honestly, I’m not sure I’m even anticipating book 2.

We meet Sirscha Ashwyn as she arrives at the home of her mentor Kendara. Sirscha is currently apprentice to the Queen’s shadow but she is just one of a few, maybe even many. To become the Queen’s spy, she must be able to prove that she is the best, that she is more than enough. She works hard but continues to feel deficient, especially as individuals like the officit leading the students to visit the prison for shamanborn and Jonyah Thao, her best friend Saengo’s cousin, continue to debase her because of her upbringing; Sirscha is an orphan, and orphans are of no value. Ultimately, it is the discovery of a rival for the coveted position that will lead to Saengo’s death, her subsequent resurrection, and the revelation that Sirscha is a lightwender, specifically a soulguide with the ability to guide souls to the afterlife or to bring them back to life. This will likely have reverberations for the kingdoms and ultimately results in Ronin, the Spider King, summoning both Sirscha and Saengo to Spinner’s End.This is the first book of the Shamanborn trilogy. Sirscha Ashwyn is a character that many of us may be able to sympathize with because she is still seeking her place in the world and often feels like she is never enough. Lee fills the pages with lush descriptions of the world, immersing us into Sirscha's world but at times, because Sirscha is often going from place to place, we might not necessarily feel as connected to her and Evewyn as we should. It feels like we're still in the beginning stages of something that could be, will be great. I still very much enjoyed it and think it is worth the read. Lee writes well and I'm excited for the rest of the trilogy.