What Readers Are Saying About 'The Soulburn Talisman'
The first reviews are in...
The first reviews for my debut novel, The Soulburn Talisman, are in! 👀
Deep breath… slow exhale…
I’ve compiled a few of my favourites from Amazon and Goodreads below. If you’re thinking about buying a copy of Soulburn for yourself or a loved one, maybe these kind words will help make the decision a little easier.
“The Soulburn Talisman isn’t a difficult book to love. Brooke, Dale and Charlie are fantastic. They’ve a cheekiness that I remember but don’t always get to see in characters of that age. But I can’t lie. The secondary cast of characters are an utter delight from the Wee Folk to the Robin Hood-esque trolls. There’s a humour to the world that really shines through them. And the antagonists are fantastic too. There’s a good, persistent sense of threat and danger throughout. They live up to it too. There were several reveals that made me gasp aloud.” (LittlePiscesReading)
“I think people of all ages can appreciate the story David Mcllroy has pieced together. I was entertained all the way through, and I’m excited to see what the future holds. I’m very thankful for my opportunity to immerse myself in this story!” (Lia)
“While the pacing is action-packed and always something new occurring, it often feels like a whirlwind of an adventure, but one you don’t want to put down. The people and creatures of Uland are unique and varied, plus the sprinkle of humour peppered throughout helps lighten some darker elements in this story.
Ultimately, this feels like the beginning of a great new series with wonderfully rounded characters and a new world to explore. The writing of McIlroy is fresh, and The Soulburn Talisman has the makings of a modern-day Narnia with hints of Neil Gaiman or Terry Pratchett’s young adult books. A balance of adventure, action, excitement, and friendship will make this a hit with any age group.
Move over Potter and Percy - there’s a new team of heroes in town.” (Jessica Pankhurst)
“I would have loved this book as a kid, as I was deeply interested in portal magic and convinced that there was a hidden world running parallel to ours. Aside from mild, 13-year-old kid attempts at swearing, which only happened sparingly, this book is so impeccably clean and could be the perfect addition to a summer reading list. The themes of friendship, trust, and perseverance are woven seamlessly into the narrative, providing valuable lessons for young readers.
Overall, "The Soulburn Talisman" is a delightful and engaging read that captures the imagination and keeps you hooked from start to finish. The well-developed characters, realistic villain, and adventurous plot make it a standout in the middle grade genre. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy magical adventures and heartfelt stories.” (Renae)
“A thrilling and eventful adventure story that was wonderful to read. The descriptions of surroundings were vivid and really made it easy to imagine where the characters were and what was happening around them. Brooke, Dale, & Charlie were great characters, I loved reading their story and their growth throughout the book.” (Jade Coulcher)
“As a former English teacher, I’d say this book is especially well suited for middle grade readers, but the high quality of writing makes it worthwhile for a wide range of readers. In that way, it’s similar to a lot of classics, such as the Harry Potter books.
The three protagonists, Brooke, Charlie, and Dale, though they are young, deal with serious issues in a mature (but believable) way. Good coming-of-age stories still resonate with us even if we’re far beyond that point because they remind us of past experiences we’ve all shared in one way or another.
Aside from strong character development and gripping plot, the book also has its share of positive messages, presented in an organic fashion that is not at all preachy. The book does a good job of setting itself up for a sequel. I’m going to be waiting anxiously for Book 2.” (William A. Hiatt)
“Soulburn Talisman is a delighful romp about forging friendships and finding your own magic. Set in a colorful fantasy world full of fairies, goblins, trolls, and wizards, McIlroy calls back the youthful joy of feeling like you could tumble through a portal and find a whole new world in your own backyard. If you enjoyed The Hobbit, The Chronicles of Narnia, or Percy Jackson & the Olympians, you'll love this wonderful story of schoolkids on a field trip that find suddenly find themselves in a dangerous and unfamiliar world full of monsters and magic.” (C. N. Carlson)
“When I first learned about this book, I was instantly excited to read it. The author's style of writing didn't disappoint, reminding me of Nail Gaiman, JK Rowling, and some elements of the story felt as thought they'd have been at home in Tolkien's Middle Earth. My fave characters were absolutely the Trolls, with their gentle yet cheeky nature!
By the epilogue, I was hooked and cannot wait for the second installment! A fantastic debut novel that fantasy fans will love.” (Francesca Harrall)
Grab your copy of The Soulburn Talisman now! 📚
That's really wonderful. Well done, David!
Wow these reviews are amazing!! You must be very proud 💖