Soul of a Witch – Heart and Soul Book 8

When a seductive space-pirate turns to a sweet witch for help, he has no idea of what he is asking or the enormity of what she must sacrifice for him…

Sinya and his band of space pirates had chosen to live a life fraught with danger, but it was danger on their own terms. The chance of being caught off guard by bounty hunters and peacekeepers, or even a mercenary who guarded his cargo with his life, were everyday occupational hazards. Strictly obeying Sinya’s orders, his men followed a code of ethics; they were never too greedy and always showed respect to any women they stole from. Even so, any males who challenged the pirates were dealt with swiftly and ruthlessly.

Wes, Sinya’s young brother, is tormented from within by an unknown force. As a young boy, he began to feel any suffering and wounding of the pirates as they did. His nights were wracked with pain, which increased to the point where Wes lapsed into unconsciousness to escape the agonies of his body. The strong band of pirates, who love the youth as family, watch his suffering helplessly. Desperate to find a cure for Wes’s mind-sickness, Sinya seeks out a witch, Beulah.

Beulah has been expecting the pirates; for some time she has sensed a growing disturbance. Although she makes Sinya promise to trust in her strange ways implicitly, she has no idea of the force that she must battle or the complications ahead. Unfortunately, a dark mystic learns of Wes’s plight and believes that he can use Wes’s untapped power for his own evil purposes, confronting Beulah just when she thinks that she can bring Wes back to consciousness. As Beulah and Sinya work together to find a way to help Wes, Beulah feels the stirrings of sexual desire. She is innocent to the earthy, lusty needs of her body, and finds Sinya’s legendary allure overwhelming. These passionately steamy scenes are long-awaited and powerful.

Readers who are familiar with (or addicted to) Angela Verdenius’s Heart and Soul Futuristic Romance series will have been looking forward to the tale of Sinya, the sexy menacing space-pirate. Sinya was introduced as a secondary character early in the series. He is a man who will do a favour if there is something in it for himself, but someone who is not to be trusted. In Soul of a Witch, readers are shown the true nature of this charming lady-killer. Sinya was abandoned by his parents, so he fought for all that he had, but he did it because he had to hide and care for his baby brother, Wes. Sinya wants to believe that he has risen above his roots. This is why he keeps up the charade of a gentleman around ladies, yet at heart, survival instincts make Sinya a mercenary killer. Angela Verdenius sets this capable charismatic man in the one environment in which he cannot control; the world of the supernatural. He must learn to trust a woman who is a witch, one who is comfortable in a world of illusion. She is the only one who can bring back his brother’s spirit. As Sinya begins to truly see the pure soul who is prepared to go to hell and back on his behalf, his admiration changes to a deep concern and love. The intensity of their bonding will sneak up on Sinya, suddenly scorching him with its strength. He knows that he must send his treasured lover to fight the battle of her life, and all of his ruthless tactics are redundant in this otherworldly clash for control.

Beulah does not know what she is up against, but bravely faces an unknown evil. She willingly gives her all for a man that she believes is her future. The pirate crew provide light-hearted humor in some serious moments, making the characters and situations more realistic. The imagery of Angela Verdenius’ universe is colourful and breathtaking. The scenes are quite vivid and the action sequences unforgettable. Once again, this author delivers a must-have addition to her series. Each book is easily enjoyed without having read any others, but the entire Heart and Soul series is highly recommended and definite keepers!

Reviewed by: Naomi