Gracie is like you and me; she's self conscious, she's human, she wishes she could be gorgeous and graceful with a man hopelessly in love with her, instead she has Mike. Mike is such a numpty he needs a metal pipe lodged violently into his cerebellum.Right off the bat you're thrust into the unfolding events. You are walking with Gracie through her disbelief and heartache, and when she becomes Lydia you will think (I did) that you are revisiting Freaky Friday. Then two gorgeous lovelies kidnap Gracie (being Lydia), and immediately you're thrust into the awkward mortification of being caught in underwear you reserve for *I hate the world* moments*. The underwear that refuses to conform to pretty, sexy, or feminine, and all your insecurities at ever being caught in a situation like that flare up while you fall hopelessly in awe with Dan, just the way Gracie does.Except Dan is a damn man who just vanishes before Gracie wakes, and you're right back to kicking the tub with her thinking *stupid man* argh! They're all the damn same!And this seesaws with you continuously through this altruistic version of protecting souls by being able to share *consciousness* with them. It was a great read, an original read, a heartwarming read, but often times I found it very dark and despairing. The central theme of domestic violence was one which was very hard for me to read. There's a great twist at the end which none of you will see coming, and as for Dan, well men are idiots! And they're insecure too. But for heaven's sake pick a time to be stubborn, and this wouldn't be it.This is the first book I've read by Amanda Cowley and I have to say it was an unexpected pleasure. I stayed up until 3:30 a.m. reading it. If that doesn't tell how good it is, then none of these words will either. To put it simply I found this a really likable refreshing read. This story is a nice blend of paranormal romance and chic lit. Although this book is not fast paced, it never felt like it dragged, and I think this is because it captures your imagination right from the first chapter. I wanted to know what was happening to Gracie, and then once I found out I wanted to know what she was going to do with this gift, and then I wanted to know how she and gorgeous Dan, the man just like her, were going to end up together. In addition to this you have an interesting back story about what has happened to Gracie, and then once I found out I wanted to know what horrible things had happened in her life I wanted to know what she would do next. The story really was paced well, with a good mix of finding out about Gracie's past and about her new talent. The romance between Dan and Gracie was lovely, it was not rushed, there was a real build up to it. I also liked the world building, I don't really want to give much away about this, but it was a really refreshing concept, and was explained in an entertaining way.Another plus for me was the fact the book ended, and the story was wrapped up. I like that. When a sequel comes out I will read it, as this was a likeable book with likable characters. One small note, other reviewers have mentioned that this book is set in London, and there are some `British terms', yes this is true, but honestly nothing major. I actually would have liked to have seen more of London in it (but I have lived there), for me this was the most disappointing part of the book, that the places where not described more. But I can live with that.Will I read it again? Probably
What do You think about Soul Protector (2011)?
Nice easy read. I was hooked right away and definitely want to read the next book.
—kellos1
I love this book. If anyone wants to read a book about finding yourself this is it.
—chris
Really enjoyed this paranormal book. Will definitely read more.
—fama
It was more than expected. I really enjoyed it.
—Chiquitica
