The Aoran High Empress is dead and her loyal Guardians are being hunted down and killed. Only three remained and the new High Emperor will do whatever it takes to see them destroyed as he searches for that elusive something that will cement his position. Only the Guardians know what it is and how to use it.

The High Emperor’s guards are closing in and it is up to Tasita “Tasi,” the youngest Guardian to protect those still loyal to the Old Way. She holds the key to the power source the keeps the entire planet and it’s residents strong. The last thing she needs is a too-hard-to-resist Daamen trader, Heddam, getting in her way, even if she reluctantly must admit he and his friends saved her life more than once.

Danger is imminent as the High Emperor’s New Way of life threatens to overtake and destroy the Old Way. And what of this mysterious Third Way growing on Aora, if rumors can be trusted? Tasi is running out of time and Heddam refuses to let her face danger alone, even if it goes against everything Tasi protects about her people. Heddam has his work cut out for him if he ever hopes to claim the Soul of the Guardian in his chosen mate.

Soul of a Guardian is yet another fantastic book by Angela Verdenius. I discovered her around book six of this series and I have yet to read one of her books I have not liked. Here, Angela touches on the magical aspects of one of the planets in her world through the Guardians and their connection to each other, the rightful leader of Aora, and to the ultimate power source that feeds their abilities. This power source also does some pretty impressive things when channeled through the blood of the Aorans and the magical stone each has imbedded in their foreheads. With these new level in the Heart and Soul universe, Angela Verdenius opens up so many more avenues we can explore in future works.

Heddam and Tasi make a perfect match. The tension is thick from the first time they meet in the middle of a rescue. We know from that moment their relationship is going to be full of excitement. Things are complicated between them however with Tasi’s duty to her people and the memory of her late High Empress. Much about the Aoran way is a mystery to everyone outside of their society which makes it impossible for Tasi to share her mission with Heddam. Daamens are infamous for their wild ways until they find their mate and Heddam knows Tasi is the one for him. All he wants to do is keep her safe but that would mean being involved in Tasi’s mission and she can’t have that. Seeing these two overcome their differences to find happiness makes for a very engrossing love story that will leave readers aching for more.

As is to be expected in any book in the Heart and Soul series, intrigue abounds. Angela Verdenius seamlessly weaves together multiple storylines that keep us guessing as to what is really going on. I had several guesses throughout the novel about what was going on and I really only had one figured out before the end of the book. Soul of a Guardian kept me guessing until the end and then threw a few surprises at me, which made for exciting reading.

As always with books in the Heart and Soul series, we get a chance to visit with many of our old friends, and make a few ones as well. I was especially thrilled to see one of my favorite couples, Shaque and Elyse from Soul of a Predator. These two are a very unusual pair due to their respective histories, but together they are such an amazing pair. I loved a chance to catch up with them and see how they have fared since their own story, especially Elyse and how she has managed to control her mutant side. And they are just a couple of the people we get to see again.

Angela Verdenius impresses me every single time I pick up one of her novels. I always think it will be hard to top each current installment in the series and then she goes and does it again! Soul of a Guardian has moved to the top of my list of favorites in the Heart and Soul universes. I always look forward to flying high in another adventure and now I can’t wait to see where in the great galaxies we will visit next. Don’t stop now Angela! I don’t know how you manage it, but each and every time you manage to blow me away with a story that is as exciting, fresh and original as your first one. I hope you have plenty more yet to come.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, April 2009. All rights reserved.

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Posted April 2009