Reviews, reviews and more reviews…

I can’t tell you all how important reviews are to authors. The Soul Guide has been up on Amazon for download since the 18th Feb 17, so not quite four weeks. I’ve been (im)patiently biting my nails these last few weeks waiting on some reviews and finally they’ve started to trickle in. I still don’t have that many in the grand scheme of things  but its a start and, by the looks of it, a pretty good one. Here are those that I’ve received so far from UK readers.

5.0 out of 5 stars A dark fantasy

By casounds on 21 Feb. 2017

Format: Kindle Edition Verified PurchaseA page turner of a story. This is not a cosy fantasy, but a slightly scary one. After a terrifying car accident leaves her mother dead, her face scarred and her father distant, Sybil finds she has to run from the darkest of shadows that hunt her. She is to be the next Soul Guide, but the Master of the darkness will do anything to stop that happening.

By Evie on 8 Mar. 2017

Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase. This novel instantly drew me in with it’s beautifully drawn characters and compelling storyline. It’s told in the third person and focuses on three main characters thrown in to a high octane situation where the future of the human race quite literally depends on their actions. Bertram the gruff but kind hearted Caretaker, Alec the dark and brooding Guardian and the Soul Guide herself, Sybil, who at first seems fragile and vulnerable but finds inner reserves of strength she didn’t know she had. Stock’s fantasy world is utterly convincing and we slowly begin to discover how it works and just what is as stake as the book progresses. A really good read and Stock has laid the ground work for a convincing trilogy. I can’t wait for the next instalment!

 

5.0 out of 5 starsLove it!

By Nicola Goodsell on 5 Mar. 2017

Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase. This is a book of mystery, tension and fantasy. I am both confused and intrigued at the same time; my mind is whirling with all the possibilities book 2 could hold. A fantastic read for all who enjoy a fantasy thriller!

 

5.0 out of 5 starsGreat read

By lynne rose on 5 Mar. 2017

Format: Kindle Edition. This is a compelling story. I thoroughly enjoyed it ,so much so I could not put it down. I am looking forward to the next instalment. I found that I am rooting for the good guys to overcome the Darkness……A*

And from the US:

5.0 out of 5 starsGreat First Novel ByJimFoxyon March 8, 2017

Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase. Kelly Stock has written a fantasy novel appropriately called “The Soul Guide.” If it sounds like it delves into the spiritual realms, that is because it does. Another reviewer called it a “dark fantasy” and that is apt. The tone is a bit somber and the setting, Clayhill Manor, sets the tone very well. Sybil has been chosen to be a new soul guide, but her transition will not be easy. Even though she will be helped by Bertram the Caretaker, she will be opposed by powerful dark forces. The evil Master and the Mephisto will oppose her at every turn.
This is a good read, though chilling at times. It pierces the veil and allows the reader to see a struggle between dark and light that runs parallel to our normal existence. This is a well-written novel that transports the reader to a deadly struggle, and the outcome is certainly in doubt.
I enjoyed the read. The novel is well-written and the editing is well above average. Readers who are willing to take a chance on a new author will find themselves rewarded.
5.0 out of 5 starsA story well told
ByConstant Readeron March 3, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase. This is a Paranormal dark fantasy set in Clayhill Manor where Bertram the Caretaker has worked for years with Mellissa, the Soul Guide. But now Mellissa is gone, and someone must take her place. Enter young, unassuming Sybil, who arrives on the scene with a guardian, Alec. Along the way, there is magic, fire, and a dark Master who works tirelessly to stop the souls from passing the Veil.

A good story, a fun ride, and well worth the time to enjoy!

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I can’t tell you how happy these reviews have made me. I think, after all the hard work and effort and the days spent doubting my ability as a writer, and quite literally blabbing like a baby, to find that others have invested their time in reading The Soul Guide, taken a chance on a new author like me and liked my story is just, well, blooming great! Today, I feel on cloud nine.

You see, all I wanted was for people to enjoy my book, to like the characters, to feel a part of the world I’ve created. I can honestly say that it isn’t about the money at all (I’m honest enough to say that I’ve earned pennies given the low royalty rate on a 99p book) but, for me, it is all about people liking my book enough to want to read the next in the series, to be excited about what’s coming up in book two.

I understand, that I’m not always going to please everyone, and likely to receive some not so good reviews. In fact, I’m told by other self-published authors, that you’re not considered a ‘proper’ author until you receive your first one star review! This made me laugh out loud. I’m not sure how to feel about that (getting a one star review, not the fact it makes you a bona-fide author). I think it may take me days to get over, but with everything in life, I’ll take it on the chin.

For now I am happy to wallow in the lovely, golden feeling of these five-star reviews.

So, a heartfelt THANK YOU to those readers who’ve taken the time to review The Soul Guide, I cannot  express my gratitude enough. Plus it gets me one step closer to that elusive BookBub promotion!

Now, I really must get back to my writing. It’s been a while, what with all the marketing and promotion I’ve been doing. Time to let The Soul Guide fend for itself a little while whilst I crack on with Book Two and the Mellissa and Bertram novelette.

Until next time folks!

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