In Kelly’s series kickoff for the Port of Lost Souls series a young vampire imperils her existence as she ventures to a haunted island in pursuit of the legendary Well of Souls treasure. Lola Monteux, a vampire of the sea, is betrayed by her own crew and condemned to death. In a desperate attempt to escape her doom, she heads to a cursed island in search of the fabled Well of Souls. But as she falls under its spell, Lola’s humanity resurfaces and she becomes entangled with Gael and his misfit crew. Her mission for survival begins to blur as she embraces her lost humanity.

Kelly is adept when it comes to weaving tension and suspense into the narrative. From the mention of mysterious legends and treasures surrounding the Well of Souls to the characters’ exploration of uncharted territory, every element serves to ignite curiosity and anticipation. The intricate emotional conflicts, particularly Gael and Nix’s tumultuous relationship, enrich the plot’s depth, while Lola’s journey and interactions deepen the complexity of the story. Atmospheric descriptions, vividly portraying tempestuous weather and the eerie ambiance of Duchesne Island, heighten the suspenseful mood.  At its core, the novel explores themes of loyalty, forgiveness, and the power of human connection. A gripping read that seamlessly blends adventure and emotion.

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