Soul Beat, Volume 1 - bookrastinating.com

Published Oct. 17, 2023 by Rockport Publishing.

ISBN:: 978-0-7603-8255-4

Dante Alfonse is a promising boxer who’s more than capable of taking on any opponent, inside or outside of the ring. Whether it’s a bully in his neighborhood or even stopping a robbery, he’s quick to step in and hold down his city. Of course, when your name means “to endure," being an unstoppable force for good comes naturally! But sometimes, good deeds attract unwanted attention… Such is the case when Dante tries to defend his friend and mentor, Ben, from being killed by the worst person imaginable: the Devil himself! Now targeted by the forces of evil for his interference, Dante must use the knowledge his mentor left him and hone his newfound spiritual powers, not only to save his own life but to destroy the Devil before more lives are ruined.

To his surprise, he’s not alone. A centuries-long feud between Heaven and Hell begins to surface …

Dante Alfonse is a promising boxer who’s more than capable of taking on any opponent, inside or outside of the ring. Whether it’s a bully in his neighborhood or even stopping a robbery, he’s quick to step in and hold down his city. Of course, when your name means “to endure," being an unstoppable force for good comes naturally! But sometimes, good deeds attract unwanted attention… Such is the case when Dante tries to defend his friend and mentor, Ben, from being killed by the worst person imaginable: the Devil himself! Now targeted by the forces of evil for his interference, Dante must use the knowledge his mentor left him and hone his newfound spiritual powers, not only to save his own life but to destroy the Devil before more lives are ruined.

To his surprise, he’s not alone. A centuries-long feud between Heaven and Hell begins to surface in the Mortal World, and both sides have their reasons for wanting Dante on their side of the fight. Caught in the crossfire, he’ll have to figure out which side he’s on, uncover the truth surrounding his mentor’s mysterious past, and ultimately show the afterlife what it really means to have soul!

Soul Beat is rated T for Teen, recommended for ages 13 and up.

1 edition

lastblossom reviewed Soul Beat, Volume 1 by Morganne Walker (Soul Beat, #1)

Fun, fast-paced, and slightly irreverent, this series would be right at home on Toonami.

No rating

The publisher's name Saturday AM evokes images of early Saturday morning cartoons, but if I had to place this series, I'd air in on Toonami. It's got punchy (literally) action, a quick-paced storyline, and snappy humor. Dante is adult-aged, which lends a lot of weight to his confidence. So much so that when he says he's going to kill the devil, I genuinely believe he can, despite all the naysayers within the comic itself. He's also got a strong sense of justice that makes him very easy to cheer for. Supporting cast are also likable, with the mentor and/or sidekick character looking like he's also going to be a great foil for Dante. A strong start to the series, and I am looking forward to more!

Thanks to NetGalley and Rockport Publishing for an advance copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

The publisher's name Saturday AM evokes images of early Saturday morning cartoons, but if I had to place this series, I'd air in on Toonami. It's got punchy (literally) action, a quick-paced storyline, and snappy humor. Dante is adult-aged, which lends a lot of weight to his confidence. So much so that when he says he's going to kill the devil, I genuinely believe he can, despite all the naysayers within the comic itself. He's also got a strong sense of justice that makes him very easy to cheer for. Supporting cast are also likable, with the mentor and/or sidekick character looking like he's also going to be a great foil for Dante. A strong start to the series, and I am looking forward to more!

Thanks to NetGalley and Rockport Publishing for an advance copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.