Souls by Brynne Asher

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The princess and a dead man.

They say money makes the world go round. 
They’d be wrong.
Sure, power can be bought, but you can gain a hell of a lot more with knowledge. With knowledge comes fear.
I’ve seen it.
I’ve caused it.
I’ve even been the brunt of it.
But when a stowaway princess barrels into my life like a runaway train, I throw patience out the window—the same one I jump out of, taking her with me. 
Now I’ve got more problems than any contract killer deserves.
That includes Aliyah Zahir—an internationally coveted socialite, a true royal, and a social media sensation. Returning to the lion’s den, she ends up in harm’s way—all for a mirage.
She’s chasing a ghost.
But instead, she finds a dead man.
I’m done being patient. It’s my turn to administer fear for a change, and no one is better equipped to fix Liyah’s problems than me.
And I’m never giving her back.

A Princess, A Protector, A Fight for Freedom

The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🩷❤️💙💚
Spice/Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍
Character development: 🤓😟🤯😎
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration

Characters and Plot Dynamics

At the heart of Souls are two characters from very different worlds whose lives collide in intense and unexpected ways. Aliyah Zahir is a princess raised within rigid expectations, bound by tradition, duty, and the weight of her royal lineage. After the death of her father, her uncle assumes control of the throne and, in a move that strips Aliyah of autonomy, arranges for her to be married off to an older, already-married man. The situation is not only politically motivated but deeply personal, reducing her to little more than a bargaining piece in a system she has no power to challenge.

Ozzy, on the other hand, comes from a vastly different background. He is dangerous, controlled, and very much a product of the darker world he inhabits. As part of the Killers series, his character carries that signature edge of lethal competence mixed with a guarded emotional core. When Aliyah and Ozzy’s paths cross, the story quickly becomes one of tension, protection, and slow-building trust.

The plot unfolds as Aliyah is forced to confront the reality of her situation while Ozzy becomes an unexpected force in her life. What begins as a clash of circumstances evolves into something far more layered, blending romance with suspense and a strong undercurrent of danger. The story balances personal stakes with external threats, creating a narrative that feels both intimate and high-pressure.

Highlights and Limitations

One of the strongest aspects of Souls is the emotional weight behind Aliyah’s story. Her lack of agency at the beginning is difficult to read but also compelling, making her growth throughout the book feel meaningful. Her resilience and inner strength develop in a way that feels earned rather than rushed.

Ozzy is another highlight. He fits well within the morally gray, protective archetype that fans of the series will recognize, but he still manages to feel distinct. His interactions with Aliyah are layered with tension, restraint, and eventual vulnerability, which gives the romance a satisfying depth.

The pacing is generally strong, especially in the middle portion where the emotional connection and stakes both intensify. There is a good balance between action and character-driven moments, which keeps the story engaging.

That said, some elements of the plot may feel familiar if you have read other books in the series or similar romantic suspense stories. The setup of a powerful man stepping in to protect a vulnerable woman is not new, and while it is executed well, it does not radically reinvent the trope. Additionally, certain conflicts resolve a bit conveniently, which slightly softens the overall tension.

Narration

The narration by Kit Swann and Jason Clarke adds a significant layer to the audiobook experience. Kit Swann does an excellent job capturing Aliyah’s emotional journey, especially her fear, frustration, and gradual reclaiming of strength. Her performance brings nuance to a character who could easily have felt one-dimensional in less capable hands.

Jason Clarke’s voice is a perfect fit for Ozzy. He brings that deep, controlled intensity that defines the character, making his protective instincts and underlying vulnerability come through clearly. His pacing and tone help ground the story and give Ozzy a strong, memorable presence.

Together, their dual narration enhances the dynamic between the characters. The emotional beats land well, and the chemistry between the two leads feels authentic through their performances.

Final Opinion

Souls is a compelling addition to The Killers series, offering a blend of romance, tension, and emotional growth. While it leans on some familiar tropes, the strength of the characters and the immersive narration elevate the story into something that feels engaging and satisfying.

If you enjoy protective, morally gray heroes and heroines who find their strength in difficult circumstances, this audiobook is likely to resonate with you. The performances by Kit Swann and Jason Clarke make it especially worthwhile in audio format, bringing depth and intensity to an already gripping story.

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