Soulgazer by Maggie Rapier swept me into a lush, imaginative world full of magic, myth, and high-seas adventure. The premise — a cursed young woman on the run from a forced marriage who strikes a deal with a rakish pirate to find a mythical island — hooked me immediately, and the storytelling rarely let go.  Saoirse’s journey from isolation and fear toward confidence and purpose was compelling, and I loved watching her grow alongside Faolan — whose charm, wit, and slow-burn connection with her was genuinely swoon-worthy. Their banter and chemistry are definite highlights that kept me invested throughout the story.  The worldbuilding had beautiful, atmospheric moments, especially with the legends of gods and lost souls woven throughout — though I’ll admit there were times I got a bit lost in the early chapters and had to reread to orient myself. Still, that lyrical, evocative writing style added richness to the narrative even when it was dense.  My one big critique is that a few plot threads felt under-explained, and the ending teases even more to come, which left me both excited and slightly impatient for the next book. Overall, Soulgazer is a strong debut romantasy with heart, adventure, and a pair of leads I’m eager to follow into the sequel.