Review: Soulgazer by Maggie Rapier

I received this book via the publisher Ace. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Soulgazer by Maggie Rapier
Series: The Magpie and the Wolf #1
Published by Ace on 2025-07-08
Length: 480 pages
Reviewing eARC from the publisher Ace
Rating:
Reading Challenges: #NGEW2025, 2025 New Release Challenge

With their freedom on the line, a young woman and a rakish pirate take their fate into their own hands as they attempt to find a lost mythical isle with the power to save their entire world.

Every legend has a beginning.

Saoirse yearns to be powerless. Cursed from childhood with a volatile magic, she's managed to imprison it within, living under constant terror that one day it will break free. And it does, changing everything.

Horrified at her loss of control, Saoirse’s parents offer her hand to the cold and ruthless Stone King. Knowing she'll never survive such a cruel man, Saoirse realizes there is only one path forward…she must break her curse.

On the eve of her wedding, Saoirse seeks out the legendary Wolf of the Wild—Faolan, a feral, silver-tongued pirate. He swears to help rid her of the deadly magic if she’ll use it to locate a lost mythical isle. Crafted by the slaughtered gods, it’s the only land that could absorb her power.

But Saoirse knows better than to trust a pirate’s word. With the wrath of her disgraced father and scorned betrothed chasing them, Saoirse adds one last condition to protect herself: if Faolan wants her on his ship, he'll have to marry her first.

"A tale rife with longing, extraordinary tenderness and delicious tension. A glorious escape for the heart and imagination."—Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of Last Tale of the Flower Bride

A perfect blend of romance and fantasy! Soulgazer by Maggie Rapier is the first in a romantasy duology featuring a pirate and a cursed princess. Saoirse has lived her life in fear of touch and what her touch can bring. Blamed for the death of her older brother, she’s been hidden away from the world until now. Now, her father is selling her in marriage to the Stone King and has found a way to bind her magic permanently. When a story reaches her ears about the Wolf of the Wild searching for a girl with ocean eyes who will lead him to the Isle of the Lost, Saoirse knows this is her chance at escape.

Saoirse is an interesting character. Told almost entirely from her perspective, as the reader we get a good sense of who she is, what she cares for, and her magic. It’s clear that Saoirse has been manipulated and lied to her whole life. It’s honestly heartbreaking to read her experiences and for her to believe that’s just how the world is. I enjoyed seeing her grow throughout the book, understand her magic a bit better, and go from being a curse to a blessing.

Faolan, the Wolf of the Wild, is a pirate with a big heart. I instantly liked him and can see why Saoirse did as well. He has his secrets, but I like that he allowed Saoirse to set the pace of their relationship, even when she tricks him into marriage. Their banter is some of my favorite parts of the book. The rest of his crew are great. I loved the side characters and learning about each of them, Brona in particular.

I found the magic system and world building interesting. There are six islands, each representing a home for one of their dead gods. The seventh isle has been missing since the death of the gods, and many believe it never existed. The story revolves around this mysterious isle and Saoirse’s magic. The Isle of the Lost is where the deads’ spirits find rest. Without it, the deads’ soulstones have been piling up and their spirits wondering. Because of her magic, Saoirse is more attuned to them, their suffering and emotions.

While I enjoyed the story as a whole, the beginning was a little rough and hard to follow. Some of that I believe may have been intentional as Saoirse has been kept away from others for so long that she doesn’t know how to respond to people or how her magic will interact with them.

Overall, I really enjoyed Soulgazer. The romance was a slow burn that had me cheering them on. Saoirse’s character growth was great, and I can’t wait to see what is in store for her during the next book. I’m also looking forward to more information about the world as it is ever evolving and changing. Can’t wait for book two! If you are a fan of romantasy, pirates, adventure, and romance, I highly recommend it.

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