Release date: Tuesday 17th March 2026
Wayward Souls is a gothic, supernatural tale set in Ireland, revolving around the daughter of Professor Moriarty and the granddaughter of Jonathan Harker. It is the second in the series, after Wayward Beasts. In this installation, the ladies team up with the son of Van Helsing (also called Van Helsing). If you love spin offs of the classics, this won’t disappoint.
Overall, it’s a good book. People are going missing in Ireland and the trio are dispatched by some supernatural MI6 type organisation to get to the bottom of things. The characters and relationships are well crafted, from the minor characters to the protagonist. Their motivations all make sense despite the slightly ridiculous concept.
I adore the folklore that’s threaded throughout. Morris has really done her research. The different beings are varied and well described, giving Ireland character in its own right. From regular ghosts, channels and pixies all the way to The Wild Hunt and the Morrigan, anyone familiar with Irish folklore should be delighted.
The romance is a slow burn, fade-to-black with a potential complication blossoming for future books. It didn’t disappoint while remaining suitable for YA readers, although spicy fans may be left wanting more. Considering this isn’t really a romance book, I think it’s handled perfectly.
My only critique is the pacing crawls in places, especially early on. It’s a shame because otherwise this is the perfect read. The secret societies and hidden doors are exciting. The oddball fae-like characters and abundant corvids are atmospheric. The plot is well drawn, the imagery gorgeously bleak. I can’t wait for the third and I’m sure fans of the first book will be thrilled with the series so far.
| Criteria | Scores | Our Score |
| Artistic Achievement | 1 – 5 | 5 |
| Pacing | 1 – 5 | 3 |
| Characters | 1 – 5 | 5 |
| Writing Style | 1 – 5 | 5 |
| Originality | 1 – 5 | 4 |
Written By: ivetafox
Favourite Game – Long Live the Queen || Favourite Film – Sweeney Todd || Favourite Book – Wuthering Heights
About: Ivy is a disabled, autistic writer from the UK, passionate about inclusive gaming. When not reviewing, she can be found writing short stories and micro fiction or reading the latest gothic novel.
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