Nell Ingram faces a dark magic with no known origin in the newest pulse-pounding paranormal procedural in the New York Times bestselling Soulwood series. Nell is a rookie PsyLED agent, using the powers she can channel from deep within the earth to solve paranormal crimes. Together with her team, she’s taken on the direst magic and the most twisted foes. But she’ll need to tap into every ounce … to tap into every ounce of power she has for her newest case.
Nell is called to the Tennessee mansion of a country music star and finds a disturbing scene—dead bodies rapidly decaying before everyone’s eyes. The witch on her team, T. Laine, has never seen magic that can steal life forces like this. PsyLED needs to find this lethal killer fast. But when a paranormal-hating FBI agent tries to derail the investigation, and the dark magics begin to spiral out of control, they find themselves under attack from all sides.
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A spinoff of Jane Yellowrock series. Avery good read with strong leading characters.
Whoa! Opened the book and saw the teeny, tiny font and almost gave up before I started. I think it was about a size 2. Kudos for trying to lkeep the price down in a mass market version, but not so pleasant to read. I really had to bend open the book to read everything. That did not factor into my OK rating.
The book was a big of a hard slog, it seemed to move very slowly with a lot of repetition. Descriptions of people turning to goo, Nell’s leaves, etc. 357 pages and not much really happens. If you’re more fond of the world building than the action, you probably would like this more, since Nell’s sisters continue growing outside the church, Nell continues to deal with her situation in a mature manner (which is less exciting to the reader, but actually pleasant to see a lack of made up drama).
Will give the next book a read, but will be less excited to start it next time.
This book was what I’ve been waiting for in the series. Nell is finally getting comfortable with her plant and earth powers, where they came from, and how to use them. Every primary relationship advanced, as did Nell’s skill as a PsyLED agent. She and Occam are just so wonderful together, Rick and Margo’s relationship, begun in the previous book moved forward, Nell’s relationship with the other agents on her team solidified, and most importantly, her relationship with the two of her sisters who share her unique abilities has matured by leaps and bounds. One of the best side plots in the story was watching Nell’s pregnant younger sister, Esther, begin to make peace with her own “plant magic” and start learning how to claim her own independence from the cult they were both raised in, even though she initially wanted nothing of the kind. I sometimes find the central mystery or investigation in these books a bit too opaque and procedural, and I had the same issue here, with the identity of who was committing the murders literally coming out of left field, but the truth is, I don’t read these books for the mystery, I read them for Nell. She’s an unique and riveting character in the UF field.
3.75 stars
This was a little too close to the horror genre for my tastes, even though I love Nell and her connection to the earth. I’m enjoying her burgeoning relationship with Occam, and his steadfast support of her and her idiosyncrasies is fun to watch in their atypical romance. All of the putrefaction and rotting in this tale reminded me of why I don’t read zombie books, and made this a less-satisfying addition to the series for me. I was vaguely dissatisfied when I finished, so I went back and read the rest of the series to remind me why I like it so much!
Actually, 3.5, but I’ll mark it as 4, rounding up. I am sorry to say this particular addition to the Soulwood series wasn’t quite up to the usual Faith Hunter standards, but I’m going to chalk that up to her having health issues of late, and even not well, her book deserved a 3.5.
In this one, Nell and group run across some very odd magic that takes them all by surprise, making it difficult to fight when no one knows what it is. They nickname it Death and Decay magic, but that’s just them naming something because they don’t know its real name. Although, it’s an accurate nickname, you have to give it that.
However, the rush to define and defeat this magic took a bit of the “magic” out of her storyline, making it rather quick and therefore a little lacking. Yes, it had twists and turns that took a bit to follow, but they were moved through so quickly that they lost my interest. I found myself able to put it down several times, which, with her books, is something I usually can’t do. She allowed the relationship between Occam and Nell to grow as well, but I feel as if we were left out of that growth. That it happened when we weren’t looking, and now it’s all out there and flourishing. That was a relationship I was looking forward to watching grow, so I admit I feel a little cheated. And for it to be so cemented in a book where there was very little else to capture my attention, that left me with nothing to grasp to hold me to the book.
Some unexpected things happen in this book, that although unexpected, were a bit rushed as well, taking the joy out of the moment for me. I’m hoping this series isn’t running out of steam, since after loving Jane Yellowrock for so long, and for so many books, I was truly hoping Soulwood would last a bit longer as well. But it feels as it maybe it’s running on empty. I guess we’ll have to wait and see on that score. At least I hope there’s more. This one did feel a bit like an ending to the series, but I haven’t heard that to be the case, so I’ll patiently wait until the next one.
I’m sorry, Faith Hunter, that this isn’t the usual glowing review that I give your books, but I’m sure my next one will be back up there with my Jane Yellowrock reviews.
Another amazing instalment in this series that just keeps me so hooked on every word. I adore Nell she’s such a pragmatist and yet sometimes so innocent. Blessed with a rare gift of wild magic she seamlessly connects to the land but sometimes what she gets back is unexpected and dare I say dangerous ?
Nell is no longer the newest member of the PsyLed team and when she’s called to a truly vile murder scene the destruction and putrefaction quickly escalates and sadly so does the death toll. Used to working for Rick LaFleur, Nell has struggled adjusting to her new boss but with the death of a famous country singer to solve Nell has to cope with having Ayatas Firewind micromanaging the case. Death and decay are rampant, the humans who should be helpful are bigoted racists and there’s still the question of why the singer and her band were targeted. Nell needs to keep her wits about her and maybe this time she face an unbeatable foe ?
I love this book because as much as it’s a paranormal mystery it’s one that brings so many threads together. This time we get more “Church” and family goodness which always makes me either happy or angry depending on how it plays out. Nells “catman” Occum is a sweetie in this book and I love how their relationship has progressed. Perhaps it’s not particularly action packed but that’s because it shows how much goes on behind the scenes of a murder case. The police procedure progress with endless research , checking up and reporting back was terribly prevalent here and although it slightly slowed down the story it did mean that I could appreciate how much Nell has grown and really found her feet. Her relationship with Firewind was a joy to follow as trust was earned, respect given and there was even time to make the somewhat taciturn man actually crack a smile !
So yes I was absolutely glued to every page but I do think reading the series in order definitely adds so much. As this book ends though Nells life takes a whole new turn and I for one cannot wait to find out what happens next !
Another great read from Ms. Hunter.
This was a sit on the edge of your seat, nail biter of a story! Faith Hunter never lets you down. If you ever read the Jane Yellowrock series this is an extension of that world. Nell Ingram is an special agent, a plant woman, and a beautiful soul. This magical world brings in a lot of the characters from the Jane Yellowrock series and a whole host of other characters that make this one of the best series I have ever read. This time there’s dark death creeping upon the land destroying everything it touches. The mystery is figuring out how and why. ” I saw the Green Knight, sitting astride a pale green horse, the mental manifestation the vampire tree took when it communicated with me” such a great book!!!
Nell has quickly become one of my favorite heroines in this genre. Don’t let this (usually) soft spoken country gal fool you…she has an iron core and is smart as a tack. Hunter’s complex worldbuiding and attention to detail always makes a great background for her captivating cast of characters. The intricate storyline is gripping and the action scenes are spectacular. Paranormal crime drama storytelling at it’s best!
WARNING: May cause drowsiness. Hard to put down and you’ll likely lose sleep as this will keep you up well past your bedtime.
I love Nell and all of the characters. Another great one, Faith!
Excellent addition to the Soulwood series! I devoured this book in under 48 hours. So excited to be back in this world with such incredible characters. We learn more about Nell, her sisters and Unit 18 and get to see them work a pretty intense case. I was so upset when it was over. I can’t wait for the next one!
Of course a Faith Hunter book, has to be read ASAP!!
This is Nell’s book #5.
The Nell in this book has grown so much from the beginning…. I just love how she is adapting and growing….
Then there is Occam…. Oh Occam… He is becoming one of my all time favorite book boyfriends…. He is perfect for Nell…. and such a sweet, kind, protective, loving ray of sunshine…. I need to get me an Occam.
This is a must read series….. If you haven’t started it yet, I highly recommend!!
If you’re going to stay up past your bedtime to read a book, then this is a book/series for you!!! Yes, Faith wrote a book that was so good that it pulled me into the story from the first page. This is the 5th book in the Soulwood series that features Nell (and Mud). There’s action, both physical and mental, as you and the characters put the puzzle pieces together.
I learned to love Nell, Occam and Mud even more than I had in the previous book.
Congratulations Faith on your best seller!!!!! I’m thankful that you’re my friend.
Review going up on Goodreads, Bookbub and Amazon (as soon as I copy and paste this in those places
Spells for the Dead is book five in the Soulwood series and it does not disappoint!!
Nell has evolved so much throughout this series and has truly come into her in. She stretches the limits of her powers in ways she never thought possible and so many things about her nature come to light.
I love The Green Knight and the complicated relationship it has with Nell has as she learns to understand this sentient tree created by her power. I love how Soulwood seems to grow more and more powerful with Nell and she has learned to connect with it even when away.
The world and character development is off the chart as this team becomes a tight knit unit built on genuine trust and love.
Absolutely brilliant writing and I can hardly wait for the next installment. Also the audio book is absolutely amazing and it’s a must have if you love a good listen! I have both read the book and listened to the audio twice and hands down this is the best one yet… and Occam oh my what a catch for Nell he is the perfect man/catman for her and I just love their relationship and the devotion they have for each other.
I loved it! I don’t know how to put into words how amazing this author is! The story and characters involve you immediately and you’re smoothly drawn through horrifying crime scenes to backwoods family life to deep ancient unsettling energies. Nell approaches everything with firm moralities and it’s satisfying to know that her decisions whether good or bad have to be. I enjoy this series immensely.
Faith Hunter’s SPELLS FOR THE DEAD (Soulwood #5) is enthralling. In this story, rookie PsyLed agent, Nell Ingram and her team investigate the murder of a Tennessee country music star where death magic took place.
SPELLS FOR THE DEAD is a thrilling addition to the Soulwood series. It is told from Nell’s point of view. The plot was captivating and unexpected. The story highlights law enforcement politics, death magic, and prejudices. SPELLS FOR THE DEAD was interesting and complex.
I appreciate how Nell’s character has grown throughout the series. I like that she analyses her reactions to things and tries to grow from her experiences. I enjoyed discovering more about FireWind (Jane Yellowrock’s brother). I like that Nell does not back down from him, even though he is intimidating.
I recommend SPELLS FOR THE DEAD (Soulwood #5) to people who enjoy paranormal crime stories. Followers of Faith Hunter will not be disappointed. I believe you would be able to follow this book as a standalone, but I recommend reading the other books in the series first to understanding Nell’s growth. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.