My Soul to Take (Soul Screamers #1)

"My Soul to Take" is a well-written, fast-paced fantasy/romance about Kaylee, who can predict when someone is going to die. She later learns about why she can do this and the power of her screams. Despite tackling some difficult issues, the book is somewhat light hearted and very entertaining. The similar writing style to Jennifer L. Armentrout, makes it great for people who like those type of books.

Overall, it's a great story and well told; I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!

I dove into this immediately after finishing My Soul to Take, but reading the blurb made me go “what?!” It sounds kind of cheesy, but Rachel Vincent somehow made it exciting and interesting. It was still a bit silly at times, like mega media corporations selling souls of the teens they recruit, but it also gave us more insight into the Netherworld. I was also excited to get more Tod, even though half the time he seemed like a lame sidekick. He still had some great, mischievous moments though!

After failing to save the souls of the girls in the first book, Kaylee is determined to help pop-star Addison Page get hers back after trading it for fame and fortune. Kaylee is a bit too compassionate and determined for her own good, since this venture puts her, Nash and Tod in danger. However, it also gives her (and us) more information about her heritage and the Netherworld. It was nice to see Kaylee develop her abilities and become more confident in what she can do.

Kaylee’s relationship with Nash is getting steamy! Seriously, hormones are raging between these two whenever they’re left alone together. I’m wondering if their intense chemistry is due to being the same, or if it truly is a speedy romance. Either way, I’m surprised those two managed to keep their clothes on! I was proud of Kaylee for knowing she wasn’t ready to go all the way yet, and for Nash for not pressuring her into it.

There’s just one thing in My Soul to Save that wasn’t clear and it nagged at me throughout the entire book. Why was Tod so determined to save Addy? I know they had dated in the past, but was she the one that got away? Is that why he was so desperate to retrieve her soul, that he’d put his and everyone else’s lives at risk? I just wish there had been more to that, so it would feel like Tod was just featured as a convenient plot device. But overall, this was another quick, fun addition to the series and I’m excited to know what Kaylee will face next.

The characters in this book aren't as well developed as I would like, but I really liked the concept behind the story. I thought the main portion of the story was drawn out a bit too much. I liked how they merged the Banshee legend and current times to create the myth of the Banshee that encompassed this story. I also figured out the twist before the main characters, which annoyed me.

Characters: 3

Plot: 4

Cover: 3

Descriptions: 4

Reader reviewed by danielle

I loved My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent. I got it because, I read the back cover, and practicaly yelped in excitment that someone had finally written a book about banshees. The premise is very different, about a girl who is overcome with a horrible sense of melancholy whenever she sees someone who's about to die, and she has to scream. Not a yelp or a shout, but a horrible, glass-shattering scream that carries for miles and miles. Her friends and family think they're panic attacks, but Kaylee knows better; she knows when someone's about to die, and there's nothing she can do to stop it.

I loved the fact that there weren't any laid out rules for Kaylee when she discovers what she is. There's no elderly grandmother or wise uncle who knows all there to guide her. There is just her and her friends, guessing and praying they're not right.

Kaylee is such a realistic character; I think a lot of people can relate to her. She is the best friend of one of the most popular girls in school, gladly hiding in the shadows of her friend and avoiding the public eye like the plague.

The writing style is beautiful, and it flows very nicely with the stories. It's pretty funny at times, mostly when Kaylee and her love interest, Nash, first meet and he's trying to win her trust. Ms. Vincent is amazing at creating likable, realistic characters that anyone can relate to.

Overall, My Soul to Take was a great book, which I reccomend to anyone--provided that they're older then fourteen, due to some sexuality and cursing.