Book of Souls by Steven Smithen
Genre: Paranormal Romance/ Urban Fantasy
Publication Date: July 15th, 2017
Dorian Callahan is the only son of the New England pack Alpha, joined the military immediately after graduating high school tired of the dominance games and politics he sought a different life style. Ten years later Dorian returns to his home intending to help his mother and twin sister run the family business, a peaceful transition to civilian life and some down time was what he wanted, no needed. Instead he’s thrust into the middle of a centuries old feud between three factions of the supernatural world, at its center an ancient grimoire once belonging to a Mayan deity, has come to light and threatens the peaceful life Dorian was expecting. Betrayal’s scent clogs the air obscuring the truth. Dorian will need answers to age old questions in order to protect those he loves, escaping one battlefield for another, will it be enough?
Praise for Book of Souls
"A refreshing deviation from the normal and full of promise. This story combines a variety of paranormal species with an original story line full of action, romance, and deception." -Amazon Reviewer
"Book of Souls is a fresh new spin on the paranormal world, and the war within it. Written from the male point of view, we see just enough emotion to keep us holding on, and just enough angst to keep us turning the pages." -Amy Lockhart Amazon Reviewer
"This is not your typical paranormal romance book. There is so much more going on then just that. Right from the beginning you can see it." -Kay Miho Amazon Reviewer
"The book is one of best that I have read in a long time. While reading the book you seem to become connected to the characters. Action packed to the max!" -TLAM Amazon Reviewer
Khloe looked at us. “If I may? Donovan, I’m not an official member of this pack but I do have their protection and friendship. I am curious why you’d want to speak with me. I have no use for your circle of witches or your kind. Vampires are not looked on kindly where I am from. Something about being worshipped like gods along with all the mass killings in the guise of human sacrifice to fuel their foul and evil magic.” I could feel the power that she was pulling into herself. I’m sure that if I looked into her eyes they would be glowing as if a fire burned behind them.
I’m sure that Donovan could feel the power pouring off Khloe. Hell, I thought an Alpha’s power was heady. Donovan looked scared for a minute but then he schooled his face and posture. “Forgive my misunderstanding. I was not aware of any change in the hierarchy of the pack. I am here on most urgent business.” He said that last part looking directly to Khloe. “Khloe, what do you know of the ‘Book of Souls’?”
At the mention of this book, Khloe released all the power she had been holding. It was like someone gut punched her. She looked down at her lap. Then she looked up at Donovan before replying with steel in her voice, “That book is an abomination and hopefully has been lost to history. What do you know of it?”
Donovan was taken aback by the emotion that came from her. “We believe that it has resurfaced after all this time.”
“Khloe, what is the Book of Souls?” I asked, trying to keep her from giving this vampire a much-needed suntan. Not that I would try too hard to stop her.
Khloe turned to Talia and I and answered, “It’s very much like a Book of Shadows that is used by almost all circles around the world today. The difference is the Book of Souls is full of rituals that are exclusively fueled by death magic on a massive scale. What vamp boy is leaving out is that it was authored by one of the most powerful vampire sorcerers to ever exist. The vampires ruled over much of the pre-Columbian cultures. Aztec, Maya, Inca, and others for thousands of years. It wasn’t until the Spaniards came with their Weres and Witches that they saw what was happening. Most of the Central and South American Weres couldn’t compete with the power that Kirin, our so-called God of Death, could wield with his dark and twisted rituals.” She appeared visibly shaken that Talia had taken her hand for support. I got up and moved behind her to place my hands on her shoulders.
I looked at Donovan and asked, “Why don’t you tell us what all this is about before I lose my temper?”
Donovan had the look of someone who was defeated. He picked up the tablet that he had placed on the table touched a couple things on the screen, then placed it on the table facing us. What was on the screen was a grainy photo of a man of indeterminate age but dressed in clothes that were hundreds of years out of date. Khloe’s body went rigid under my hands. I looked over to Talia, who seemed deep in thought. That’s my sis. She has the ability to detach emotion when needed to process what she was seeing. I looked back to Donovan, who was visibly shaken. He appeared to be unsure of what to do next.
Khloe spoke, at first her voice quiet and unsure. “That can’t be possible. How? Our history says that he was killed; beheaded, then his body burned to ash.”
“What does this mean?” I asked Donovan.
“We don’t know. My superiors are searching for answers. I was asked to come and speak with Khloe. It seems that the Masters know of the Eagle Warriors and your people’s past.” Donovan answered.
Steven L. Smithen was born in Cherry Point, NC. Growing up a military brat he has lived all over the USA ending up in Jacksonville, FL. Graduating from Baldwin Jr. Sr. High School in 1988. Joining the USAF shortly after high school and serving for 5 years. After separating from the USAF he became a commercial truck driver. Now he is living in Rochester, NH with his wife Lori.
Steven grew up with a vivid imagination reading all things fantasy. Enjoying J.R.R. Tolkien, Terry Brooks, Terry Goodkind, etc... When not reading he could always be found rolling dice playing Dungeons & Dragons where he got his first real taste of writing by creating the adventures for the group of adventurers that his friends would play.