This concept had so much promise, but its execution pushed the plot entirely to one side to deal repetitively with each character's constant stream of adolescent lusting. ( )

A Soul for Trouble is a Paranormal Fantasy by award winning author Crista McHugh.

Before I begin this review, I want to state clearly in accordance with the FTC’s new rules that I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this directly from the author in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation or consideration has been given.

Trouble. Arden Lesstymine is a barmaid who unwittingly becomes the next “vessel” for a god set on chaos. Loku has limitless power as a god, but it comes at a cost to Trouble. It will cost her sanity.

Devarian Tel’brien is a Knight of the Gravaria and sworn protector of the soul-bearer. Regardless of the gender of the soul-bearer. The last soul-bearer was brutally murdered in the inn where Trouble worked.

This begins a story that takes twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat. There are some humorous moments, some moments that will have you turning the page as quick as possible to see what happens next, and moments that will have you wishing the story wasn’t going to end.

Along the way, Dev and Trouble meet up with a prince. One whose father has ruled magic is not allowed in his kingdom. Can Prince Kell convince his father to not put Dev and Arden to death, after they saved the lives of the youngest prince and his soldiers?

This fast paced story will keep you on your toes, turning pages, cheering the good guys, booing the bad guys and pondering which category Loku, the God of Chaos fits Wondering who will claim the love of Trouble.

I enjoyed this story immensely and it was my first reading of any of Ms. McHugh’s work, so knowing it was not yet released was a treat, in that I was allowed to preview it. I recommend this reading to anyone who loves great writing, a compelling story and an author who knows how to craft a story from a grain of an idea.

Wonderful job, Ms. McHugh’s. This is a total KEEPER for me. You show that independently published work can be of exceptional quality. (I found only one editing mistake in the book, with a word missing from a sentence. It took a moment to figure out the right word, but then I went on to finish reading.) I am looking forward to Book 2: A Soul for Chaos when it is finally published.

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