You can’t bargain with death if you’ve already sold your soul.Special Agent Patrick Collins has been reassigned by the Supernatural Operations Agency to New York City. Navigating his new relationship with Jonothon de Vere, the werewolf he’s now soulbound to, is nothing compared to dealing with territorial disputes between the vampires and werecreatures who call the five boroughs home. But the … home. But the delicate treaties that have kept the preternatural world in check are fraying at the edges, and the fallout is spilling into the mundane world.
Manhattan’s club scene is overrun with the vampire drug known as shine and the subways have become a dumping ground for bodies. When the dead are revealed as missing werecreatures, Patrick and Jono find themselves entangled in pack politics twisted by vampire machinations.
Learning to trust each other comes with problems for both of them, and the gods with a stake in Patrick’s soul debt aren’t finished with him yet. Bound by promises they can’t break, Patrick and Jono must find a way to survive a threat that takes no prisoners and is stalking them relentlessly through the city streets.
Old and new betrayals are coming home to roost but the truth—buried in blood—is more poisonous than the lies being spun. Trying to outrun death is a nightmare—one Patrick may never wake up from.
Please see the disclaimer at the beginning of the book for content some readers may find triggering.
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This book is the rarest beast in all of Urban Fantasy–a sequel that surpasses the near-perfect first book. The Soulbound series by Hailey Turner is exceptional and is the gold standard for urban fantasy novels.
4.5 stars
Heat Level: 4
Narration: 4.5
Epic, detailed, otherworldly!!!
Hailey is in her own world with her creations and this is no exception. I love Jono and Patrick.
The story follows on from book 1 and the world is detailed, dynamic and at times complicated but Hailey’s writing draws you in and enraptures you. So many questions need answering and while on this epic adventure even more questions pop up. I love the back and forth between Jono and Patrick as they navigate their new soulbound and unsanctioned pack they have formed. We learn more about both men and I love that Jono’s alpha and powerful nature is finally able to take hold and he is able to take action against the current God Pack alphas.
The story is an intricate web and you never know what’s going to happen next. Some great new characters are introduced and we see all the original favorites. I look forward to seeing where Hailey will take us next.
If you’re looking for a new world to dive into, with adventure, darkness, steam, and dynamic characters that will keep to on your toes, then look no further than this series. It will enthrall you!!! I’m loving it!
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God, I loved this. SO MUCH. I’m already very much obsessed with this series and this second book is as explosive and wonderful as the first. I had to force myself to stop and breathe at times and do something else other than read, something like eating and sleeping and studying.
I really appreciated that we get to see much more of Jono here: he’s much more present, with the same amount of chapters as Patrick. I loved him in the first book too but here we manage to dive into his thoughts and feelings entirely: we get to see how he sees the world around him and he shows a much more ruthless and violent streak that I really appreciated, and a protective and careful and loving one too that nearly made me cry.
“All Souls Near & Nigh” is also more gruesome and violent than the first book, with a couple of very brutal chapters that left me feeling terrified for these beloved characters.
Patrick, no surprises here, was my favourite. He’s still the reckless, tough, sarcastic badass of the first book but he ends up showing, throughout the story, a very vulnerable and traumatized side that left me nearly weeping.
I loved all of the side characters (I can shamelessly state that I would die for Lucien and Carmen, murderous and savage as they are) and that ending left me both terrified and so damn excited to read the third book. I’ll jump into that as soon as I get my pesky exams out of the way.
All Souls Near & Nigh is the second book in the Soulbound series and is definitely not a standalone. Read the first book otherwise you’ll be confused reading this one.
This book follows right after the events of the first book, although some weeks have passed. Patrick now lives in New York City with his not-boyfriend but pack partner Jonothon, a werewolf who’s found himself in a power struggle with another werewolf pack. The plot of this book is extremely intricate and fascinating, mixing old myths with Hollywood action, and forcing Patrick to face the demons, both literal and figurative, of his past.
Just like the first book, I absolutely loved this second book and could barely put it down. The fact that Hailey Turner can do both character development and such a complicated plot without losing the reader speaks of her skill as a storyteller and writer. I adore Patrick and Jono and their relationship. Even though they haven’t admitted what they are to each other, their devotion and romance is blatant and heart warming. Actions do speak louder than words. Plus, they have some of the best and hottest sex scenes I’ve had the pleasure of reading.
Once again, I highly recommend this book and love the entire series.
All Souls Near & Nigh is the second book in the Soulbound series by Hailey Turner. It is an m/m urban fantasy romance and continuing series that delivers an interesting and action packed story filled with great world building and well developed and wonderful characters that grab your attention, keeps your attention and makes you want more. Patrick and Jonothon are fantastic characters and I love their attraction and chemistry. The book is drama, suspense, heat and love… definitely worth the addition you will get to this series.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
So, really, is it possible for Hailey to write something bad? Maybe too complicated? Perhaps too convoluted? Apparently not. Another book for the win. Seriously. Not only has she masterfully added two more pantheons worth of deities, but she also threw in a whole ‘nother breed of shifter along with all the other complications inherent in the series itself. You’d think it would be too much, but somehow, someway, it all weaves together to keep me excited and pouring myself into the story so much that I’m kinda ticked that it’s not real. So yeah, Jono and Patrick for the win…again.
There’s a lot more Jono in this book and how he fits into his role with Patrick and as a god pack shifter with a bad-a patron. While we don’t get any deeper into his past yet by establishing him as a willing partner, one who is immensely powerful on his own, we’re getting a set-up for a phenomenal pair that won’t put up with any bull and will get things done, no matter how difficult the task. I love the way Jono puts up with everything that is Patrick and all his baggage of the deity varieties. His well-timed calm and sarcasm are a fantastic match for the snarky, surly, secretly vulnerable mage.
And speaking of the mage, Patrick is hilarious and his take-no-guff attitude never fails to entertain. I do quite enjoy how he’s never threatened by Jono’s power, patron, or capabilities. The way he reluctantly accepts his feelings is also strangely entertaining, mostly because of how he snipes at Jono about them. While Patrick is an unwilling pawn of many, many gods, he never comes across as merely a puppet, but is powerful in his own right and maintains his own methods for doing their bidding.
This book is a doozy, to say the least. There are so many elements added that you can easily get lost if you try to skip ahead or get so excited that you read too quickly. Many of the subtle interactions have ginormous consequences in their world and with all the new puzzle pieces added you have to really pay attention. At times I had to go back and re-read short sections because I got distracted or tried multitasking and failed at everything, but once I got back on track and sequestered myself in my room after the kids were in bed, I didn’t stop until the book was done. I might have been dead tired the next day because I didn’t sleep, but I can honestly say it was worth it. I didn’t even notice that I was tired while reading because the flow of the story just kept moving, kept building. The climax came and I honestly didn’t see it going down like that. I loved it. As soon as I get a crack at book three I’m going to start at book one so I can become fully immersed in their world so I miss nothing. Cannot wait.
5 Stars!!!
All Souls Near & Nigh is book 2 in the Soulbound series and it needs to be read in order. Also, please read the warning, there’s a scene with sexual assault that while doesn’t escalate into rape, it’s still very uncomfortable.
This book picks up where A Ferry of Bones & Gold ends, and while the romance between Jono and Patrick is still a subplot, their banter, the little gestures between them, the growing intimacy and how much they complement each other, make it clear we’re on the right path.
I loved getting more of Jono’s POV in this book, because he’s still my favorite even if Patrick is catching up with him. Patrick is witty, sarcastic, stubborn and resilient, especially after what he went through in this installment. Jono was supporting and caring, even when he was dealing with a lot as well. And the chemistry between them, even when there are just two sex scenes in this book, was out of this world.
I adored that after so long without a pack, now Jono not only has Patrick, but Sage and Wade and counted with the support of the Tempest pack and Marek and some new allies. Of course, there’s also the villains, and Ms. Turner managed to make them tri-dimensional and unlikable. I really want Estelle and Youssef to get their comeuppance at the hands of Jono soon.
All Souls Near & Nigh was fast-paced, interesting, action-packed and filled with all the things I love about the Urban Fantasy genre. Really, between the detailed and intriguing plots and subplots, the endearing main characters and Hailey Turner’s fantastic writing, I have no trouble recommending this book and series!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement. ***
4.5 Stars
This is the second book in the Soulbound series by Hailey Turner. As much as I enjoyed the action in the first book, A Ferry of Bones & Gold, I wasn’t sure I’ll stick to this series because it got exhausting at times. As English isn’t my native language I had a hard time keeping up with all the werecreatures, mages, vampires, werewolves, gods, immortals.
Well in this one we get many more characters, but I got more invested in the story! Much more than I expected…The beginning was a little slow, but we get many more intriguing characters. This is actually the sequel to A Ferry of Bones & Gold, and it’s best to read the first book in the series to enjoy this one to the fullest.
Patrick and Jono find themselves in the middle of the fighting for territorial disputes between the vampires and werecreatures. I really wish Patrick would have taken Jono’s advice or at least admit they were a pack now and he needed Jono by his side. It bugged me a little that he was determined to still work on his own and he got into trouble all the time.
All the Aztec gods, Santa Muerte, Tezcatlipoca, Omacatl Cartel were great additions to the story. We get many unexpected scenes, a lot of suspense and of course, A LOT of action…I don’t want to give too much away. A lot of characters surprised me, especially Wade.
What I loved most here would be the strong soulbound Patrick and Jono had. The way Jono fought to keep Patrick safe, his possessive and also tender side.
This story is well written, entertaining and full of action. I did expect a little more hotness and was left wanting more…Looking forward to reading the next book. Hopefully, we’ll get more hot scenes between the main characters!
I recommend this book!
Complex, action packed with amazing world-building and incredible MC’s! This is an incredible read with lots of additional intriguing characters and so much story-line development. The writing was fantastic and the creativity is out of this world great! i was so captivated with the characters and the variety. My mind had so much fun with all the werecreatures, mages, vampires, werewolfs, gods, immortals. Amazing read!!
I enjoy Patrick’s snark and his learning to start to ask for help. I am just delighted with Juno’s growly character traits that we see in this book. It is fun to see their interactions. I so do love their connection and chemistry!
This book is the second in this series and really must be read as the sequel to A Ferry of Bones & Gold. Book one laid so much foundation and character development that you will be doing yourself and the writer a disservice is you don’t treat yourself to both books.
4.5 out of 5 stars
“All Souls Near & Nigh” by Hailey Turner is the second book in the ‘Soulbound’ series and continues to follow the adventures of federal agent Patrick Collins and werewolf Johnothon de Vere. Their lives continue to be complicated by the gods meddling in politics and territory disputes and there is still a possibility that Patrick will have his typical effect on his new home city—chaos and destruction—but this time he has backup.
This gay urban fantasy story is a nonstop adventure and kept me mesmerized by the believable conflict, engaging characters, and amazing combination of pantheons who meddle in the lives of their followers. I think it’s better to have read the first book in the series, “A Ferry of Bones & Gold,” in order to get to know some of the major characters, but the action will probably draw you in even if you don’t know all of the backstory. There is a list of the cast of characters in the back of each book that will come in handy but I think it is just as fun to jump right into the story and get to know all of these engaging characters, including the gods masquerading as federal agents! Those with triggers should read the introductory warning very closely and those who are squeamish are advised that there are plenty of gory scenes since the were-creatures, vampires, various allies, gods, and, of course, the two main characters, are not shy about fighting their way through whatever obstacles are impeding their progress.
This series evokes the feelings of glee I get from reading Jim Butcher’s and Faith Hunter’s books and I found myself cheering for the good guys and groaning at the capriciousness of the gods involved while booing at the machinations of the villains. I am still a little puzzled about the hierarchy of the paranormal creatures within New York City and bemused at the turf wars between the various human factions even as I slowly absorb the complicated rules governing Patrick’s use of magic. I love books that are multi-layered and unpredictable and this one definitely has some nice surprises, including a understandably sullen teen who threatens to eat his hosts out of house and home plus the lovely romance that is continuing to unfold between Patrick and Johnothon who are learning to trust one another even as the heat between them continues to be incandescent.
I am so thankful I got a chance to read and review this series because I have found a new favorite author to follow and I look forward to reading more of her imaginative and exciting stories (and seeing how the “kid” progresses)!
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
I’m absolutely in love with this book. I didn’t think it was possible to love a book more than the first but oh I’m such a fool. This book is epic. I love Patrick and Jono so damn much. We get a lot of mystery and action, more about their soulbond and general awesomeness. And Wade is my all time favourite character , he is a cinnamon roll, a teenager who hoards everything and nothing, who can eat up his weight in groceries and still be hungry. We meet most of the side characters from the previous books, new shifters and new gods too.(Must check out Aztec mythology now)
I don’t want to say anymore and end up spoiling someone. All I have to say is hands down one of the best book I’ve ever read.
*ARC provided by the author via A Novel Take in exchange for honest review
This is a great book! It really is! And objectively, it’s a five-star.
But. It doesn’t wow me.
And I’m honestly mad at myself for that fact because this series should be right up my alley!
I do like it, though, a lot.
However, there’s this very central thing to the story that keeps bugging me.
Patrick is supposed to be this capable mage/agent that handles all the toughest paranormal cases, right? Yet his plan for all eventualities seem to be:
1. Go in – without at plan.
2. Act completely reckless.
3. Wait for a random God to save him.
To be honest, Patrick is looking more and more like some damsel in distress.
But who am I kidding… Of course I’ll need the next book too.
The first book ended with a bang and this one picks right off. The romance and connection between Patrick and Jono continues as the gods continue to mess with them. The twists and turns of story will keep you reading late into the night. Tons of gripping action, magic as the characters battle for their lives. Happy for now ending with foreshadow of more to come. The story never gets boring…
I got all 4 books to date on Kindle Unlimited which I appreciate because indie authors are not usually offered on Overdrive (free ebooks offered through local public library). I liked all 4 books, plenty of action and smart characters. There were a few too many interested parties, some times it was hard to keep straight. You had weres, vampires, fae, mages and other humans with varying magics, Norse gods, Celtic gods, Aztec gods, etc.
There was also more graphic sex than usual in an urban fantasy. Usually two scenes per book, but 6-7 pages long. Quite frankly, I started skipping them after the first one. If I want graphic sex, I’ll read an erotic romance. I read urban fantasy for the suspense and non-sexual action.
I really enjoyed the first book in Soulbound series but this one was outstanding! I loved the characters, the interspecies relations, the politics and intrigues – everything melded together into thrilling and fascinating story. Fast-paced, full of adventure and sense of belonging this book grips you from the start.
Between werecreature murders and squabbling vampires Patrick can’t catch a break. Still recovering mentally from all the events in June, he is thrust headfirst into a case that brings him dangerously close to death. But even amidst of pain and fear Patrick has a shoulder to lean on. Jono is there for him no matter what. They grow closer, their bond solidifies and they form a pack. Patrick might be reckless but I love how selfless he is. He accepts Jono and, I believe, loves him fiercely even though none of them admit to their feelings. He is protective, loyal and has sarcastic sense of humor – I can’t help but like him.
Jonothon de Vere is ready. He accepts responsibility and truly cares for werecreatures. He constantly butts heads with god pack alphas. When push comes to shove he takes Sage and Wade under his wing. I really liked Jono here. He is such a bada$$! The way he stands up for his pack and Patrick, the way he never backs down and how he cares for Patrick is just amazing. There were moments when both Patrick and Jono were going through tough times, and not once did Jono leave. He was what Patrick needed at the moment – his strength, his resilience and his comfort.
Aztec gods and vampires versus god pack alpha and mage – so much subterfuge, tip toeing, taunting and outright fighting kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved ancient gods in modern setting working as DEA and teaming up with Patrick and Jono to bring order back to New York City. It was wicked cool! The showmanship of the gods, their egos and religious beliefs mixed with urban legends made the culmination of the book explosive. In the end Patrick and Jono were alive, almost dept free and had a pack to care for. It is not much but it’s theirs, and neither the Dominion Sect nor the Gods will take it from them. Amazeballs! I loved it all and highly recommend it! Copy received for my honest and unbiased review