  | About The Book Something is wrong with Kaylee Cavanaugh. |
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My Thoughts
Last year I read the first two books (Stray, Rogue) in Rachel Vincent’s paranormal urban fantasy series Werecats. And I really enjoyed them. So when I heard about Harlequin releasing a new line of Harlequin Teen novels, I was super excited to see Rachel Vincent was one of the debut authors. Even better, was the fact that her book My Soul To Take would be just the first in a series titled Soul Screamers.
Needless to say, this was a book that went onto my Must-Read list once I first heard of it. When I turned the first page and began reading, I had no idea what it was about. (I’ve been doing that a lot recently, just picking up a book and reading without learning anything beforehand) All I knew for sure was that I liked the author’s style of writing. So I was pretty sure I would like My Soul To Take. But I didn’t just like it, I really liked it. For more reasons than just a familiar style of writing.
Other than the above synopsis, that comes from the back of the book, I don’t want to say anything major about the plot – as I began reading it took only a few pages for the intrigue of the story to pull me in – and I’d like to maintain that mystery for anyone who’s reading this.
What I will talk about is a few particular things that impressed me about the book as a whole. First for me is always the characters, I need a lead (or an ensemble) that I find authentic. Kaylee was definitely that, and more. I found her to be a great representation of an average teen-aged girl, while there were enough character points to make her original. Of course, this being a story based on the paranormal she couldn’t be all that “true to life” average, but I do believe her behavior was pretty much what I would expect from a typical teenager. Her personal traits also allowed me to really like her as a character. She was spunky and could pull the attitude at times, but her vulnerability was also apparent.
Next up, romance. Most of the young adult paranormals I’ve read lately have some sort of romantic angle going on. My Soul To Take also tackles the teenage relationship, but it came at it in a way that I liked more so than most books. Kaylee has a crush on a Nash, a fellow student at her school. Not a soul shattering crush in anyway. More of the “he’s so hawt” type. Because even though she is attracted to him, she is leery of becoming too close, too soon. Kaylee has a head on her shoulders and is smart enough to realize it’s better to take the time to know and trust someone before becoming involved. I found the pace of their friendship really refreshing. So that when they would eventually hold hands, or kiss lightly it really brought across that feeling of puppy love and first boy/girl-friends. (And no I’m not becoming prudish in my old age, I just liked seeing an author write a plot involving romance without the girl/guy declaring love/need/obsession immediately upon first glance.)
There were many other things I liked about this book – supporting characters were well drawn out, a very unique paranormal aspect that I haven’t come across before in fiction and a mystery that evolved toward a satisfying conclusion. Although this is another book where the main character does not live with the traditional nuclear family unit, I did find that Kaylee’s specific family set-up was an interesting (and totally possible) one.
All in all, My Soul To Take was a totally fun read. At this time there is also a free downloadable e-book available, My Soul To Lose, which is apparently a prequel novella. I haven’t read it yet, but I am really looking forward to it, as well as the rest of the Soul Screamers series.
 | About The Author Rachel Vincent spends most of her time with people she made up, in places that exist only in her mind. She likes books and mobile e-mail and reliable internet access, and dislikes most cooked vegetables. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s probably watching movies or mastering the orange key on her Rock Band guitar. You can find her online at www.RachelVincent.com or UrbanFantasy.blogspot.com |
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© 2008-2010 Joanne Mosher of The Book Zombie. All rights reserved.
9 comments:
There has been quite a buzz around this book. It looked interesting but now that I read your review, it's definitely more compelling. I will need to take a closer look at this book now.
Wow! Sounds So Great! Actually I love the plot totally! I will get this one and I am downloading the prequel! :)
Great review! I just bought this book today in Borders, I hope I like it as much you did :)
-Eleni
I do like the sound of this one. The plot is something that would definitely make me pick it up. Great review as always, Jo. :)
Saw this book on a couple of sites and it's sounds intresting. :)
This sounds great too! You are adding so many books to my TBR list :) Thanks for the ebook prequel link - I just downloaded it so I'll be prepared when I read this book.
I just finished reading this one sooner today (on Sunday morning), and I loved it! My thoughts on it were extremely similar to yours. I wish I could put my hand on the next one right now! :)
I really like books with genuine characters, and the plot sounds interesting as well. I probably wouldn't have heard of this book if you hadn't reviewed it, so thanks for the recommendation, I will be looking out for it.
I really like books with genuine characters, and the plot sounds interesting as well. I probably wouldn't have heard of this book if you hadn't reviewed it, so thanks for the recommendation, I will be looking out for it.
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