A review by bribooknerd
To Trap a Soul by Opal Reyne

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Can I just say that Opal Reyne has absolutely done it again with To Trap a Soul? This prequel to her beloved Duskwalker Bride series is one of those stories I didn't even realize how much I was missing. All throughout the series, I've found myself wondering about Lindiwe's past – like, seriously, how did she meet Weldir? And why did it always seem like she was fighting so many battles alone? Well, this book finally pulls back the curtain, and let me tell you, it's a truly rewarding experience.

This isn't just any prequel; it's practically the "How I Met Your Mother" of the Duskwalker world! Maybe not as many jokes but...you get my point. It's a fantastic slow-burn revelation that neatly fills in all those crucial gaps. Speaking of that slow burn, it's not just about romance; it's about watching two incredibly complex individuals slowly, painstakingly, navigate their truly unique bond. That gradual understanding makes their eventual connection all the more impactful. Seriously, if you're a fan of the series, you absolutely, 100% must read this after you've read the rest of the books. The way Opal has woven in hidden nuggets, and little callbacks throughout the entire series become so incredibly apparent here, giving you a richer, more satisfying re-contextualization of everything you thought you knew. It's like finding treasure you didn't even know existed!

My heart ached for Lindiwe as I read. She goes through so much, and her strength and dedication to her babies are just so incredibly inspiring. Honestly, I just wanted to reach through the pages and give her a giant hug! Lindiwe is hands down one of my favorite characters in this series now. Her quiet, persistent strength is something I think every mother can understand and deeply connect with. And poor Weldir, bless his heart, is just completely clueless about how relationships actually work, inadvertently leaving Lindiwe to bear the brunt of that unawareness. They both have their faults, for sure, but at their core, they're two beings just trying their best to uphold an agreement... and hopefully find something more profound in the process. Watching the evolution of Lindiwe and Weldir – their developing strengths, their growing understanding, and their blossoming care for each other – took me on an absolute emotional roller-coaster. It's a journey packed with frustration, hope, incredibly tender moments, and powerful revelations, keeping you deeply invested in their path and cheering for them every single step of the way.

This was a solid 5 ⭐️ read for me. It's a deeply satisfying dive into the past of characters I've truly come to love. If you've been captivated by the Duskwaker Bride series, To Trap a Soul isn't just an addition, it's an absolutely essential piece that will only deepen your appreciation for the entire saga.