Blurb: Sirscha Ashwyn comes from nothing, but she's intent on becoming something. After years of training to become the queen's next royal spy, her plans are derailed when shamans attack and kill her best friend...but Sirscha somehow restores Saengo to life. Unveiled as the first soulguide in living memory, Sirscha is summoned to the domain of the Spider King. For centuries, he has used his influence over the Dead Wood - an ancient forest possessed by souls - to enforce peace between the kingdoms. Now, with the trees growing wild and untamed, only a soulguide can restrain them. As war looms, Sirscha must master her newly-awakened abilities before the trees shatter the brittle peace...or worse, claim Saengo, the friend she would die for.
deeply obsessed with the reviews and posts about Calling of Light where people are tripping over themselves to articulate their confusion over the concept of friendship.
the constant referrals to the 'love interests' (two boys similar age as the MC who are regularly referred to with the words friend and family?), the confusion over who she 'ends up with' (it's not even a question in the book! she doesn't romantically end up with anyone!), how there were "scenes" with all three other main characters where they stargaze and look at each other yet it doesn't "go anywhere" which is confusing (friends hang out with each other! shocking!)
about a young woman training to be a royal spy who discovered she had powers after bringing her best friend back to life
now, as the new king’s new shadow, must finally find a way to stop the Soulless, save her best friend from a magical rot, and stop the ever-encroaching dead forest
elemental & spirit magic
bi MC, no romance
read an arc from netgalley (but it’s since released)
