Blood of the Earth (Soulwood #1) by Faith Hunter

2:36 pm 6 August 2016

When Nell Ingram met skinwalker Jane Yellowrock, she was almost alone in the world, exiled by both choice and fear from the cult she was raised in, defending herself with the magic she drew from her deep connection to the forest that surrounds her.

Now, Jane has referred Nell to PsyLED, a Homeland Security agency policing paranormals, and agent Rick LaFleur has shown up at Nell’s doorstep. His appearance forces her out of her isolated life into an investigation that leads to the vampire Blood Master of Nashville.

Nell has a team—and a mission. But to find the Master’s kidnapped vassal, Nell and the PsyLED team will be forced to go deep into the heart of the very cult Nell fears, infiltrating the cult and a humans-only terrorist group before time runs out…

I really had a hard time deciding whether to rate this book five stars or four stars because it was so great.

Blood of the Earth was a new unique perspective on paranormal /sci- fantasy romance and its a new way for readers to explore and understand the cast of characters involved.

I really hated rating it four stars because honestly five isn't good enough however there were a few things emotionally I felt could have been explored deeper but as this is a first installment to the Soulwood series there is plenty of time for this author to really knock my socks off.

I would like to say up front that this world that Hunter has created is so detailed and its characters so complex that I couldn't get enough and wanted more from all of them.

I loved Hunters world of blended characters from a backwoods kind of place far away from areas most authors tend to create in order to build something fresh and special that stands out above all the stories I've read lately.

I also have to give mad props for creating and establishing the different standards both in its society, its spiritual establishments and its cast. The mix of tension plays well and creates a fascinating dynamic for all involved.

I can't wait to see what Hunter has planned for her next installment. I would highly suggest this book if you haven't discovered it yet.