My Soul to Take (Harlequin Teen)

• Publisher:   Harlequin
• Number Of Pages:   384
• Publication Date:   2009-08-01
• ISBN-10 / ASIN:   0373210035
• ISBN-13 / EAN:   9780373210039

She doesn't see dead people, but…

She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next…

Although this book was written for teens, its concept is fascinating and the writing style is good enough to hold the attention of readers of any age. It's the first in a series. I got it as a freebie, and it didn't take long for me to decide that I'd like to buy the others in the series as soon as they come out.

I bought and read this book (in a span of less than two days which is rare for me even though I love to read) after reading the novella prequel "My Soul to Lose". It was so interesting and had many different elements within it. It had romance, mystery, and a mythical element, or a good slathering of it I should say. Junior Kaylee is torn between thinking what she sees is real and the idea she may be crazy, or sick. In the midst of all this she finds comfort in odd places, a senior named Nash, who she knew but never thought would bother even giving her the time of day, much less not running away from her during one of her "panic attacks".
The story is full of friendship, family, betrayal, and mystery.

Well, I have to admit that I have never read anything by Rachel Vincent, but I was pretty excited to win My Soul To Take, as I'd heard many good things about it. I decided to go ahead and dive in today (Aug 1), which just so happens to be the book's official release date, as well. My understanding is that this is Vincent's first YA effort and all I can say is "wow!" And that synopsis above definitely does not give you a true look at what this book is about--the paranormal element is another twist on faeries, but definitely different from anything I've read so far. However, I'm going to leave it at that, as I don't want to spoil anything for those of you who haven't read this one yet. This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading and I hated having to put it down, although I never did for long. The characters are drawn well and the story is simply gripping. I really did enjoy all the characters--as a strong 16-year-old girl--stronger than even she realizes--Kaylee is a great heroine and Nash is a perfect match for her, in more ways than one. Other than the paranormal elements, I thought all the characters were generally realistic, though a part of me has a difficult time believing that Kaylee's friend Emma would be so accepting of what she learns about Kaylee's abilities. Parts of the book felt rushed--Kaylee and Nash's relationship developed rather quickly, and events in general just moved along so fast... I wouldn't have minded another 50-75 pages to flesh out some of the storylines a bit and add detail. Oh, and can you say plot twist? The plot definitely twists and turns a lot throughout the whole book, but I thought the twist towards the end was pretty major--it had me gasping out loud! Thankfully, though this is the first in a series, My Soul To Take is not a cliffhanger. We are simply left knowing that Kaylee is going to learn even more about herself in the next two books. My Soul To Save is the second book and is due out in January 2010 and I can't wait to read it! I'll definitely be checking into Vincent's other books to hold me over until then. (Additional Note: My actual rating is 4-1/2 stars but I round up for sites like Amazon.)

Though underage, Kaylee Cavanaugh sneaks into the Taboo club for people eighteen and over thanks to the voluptuous statuesque Marshall sisters. The teen feels great especially when Eastlake High School hottie Nash Hudson dances with her instead of beautiful Emma. However, abruptly she senses someone is about to die and when that happens to her she has a deep need to scream at the top of her lungs. Nash calms her down, but a humiliated Kaylee cannot understand what is happening to her; as this is not the first time she had this deep urge. She tells Nash that a nearby strawberry blond is "darker" than everyone else and will soon die. The next day she is dead. Nash explains to Kaylee that banshees love to scream when someone is about to die and she is a banshee. He also explains who he is or at least his species. They begin dating and the kisses have Kaylee screaming louder than a banshee. However, the pair also has to stop a serial killer as the grim reaper seems t be focused on Eastlake High School. Of course there is still trig. The "second" Soul Screamers teen urban fantasy (see My Soul to Lose novella prequel that can be downloaded for free from the net) is a fun tale starring a bewildered heroine and the hunk who helps her adjust thanks to his soothing voice while also displaying his attraction to her. Fast-paced from the opening club scene and filled with twists, fans will enjoy Rachel Vincent's strong entry due to Kaylee who saves a soul and a life, falls in love, but has to study for her history exam. Harriet Klausner

I was so happy to find a book that truly had fine characters and a plot with twists i did not see coming. I am really hoping for atleast one more continuation because it was a book that I was sad to have to come to an end. Thankyou Ms. Vincent for giving me a reason to ignore my laptop and cuddle up in my easy chair. To readers: There is another book by a different author that i suggest if you enjoyed this book like I did. It is called "The Book Thief". Happy reading all.

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