Review "My Soul to Take" by Rachel Vincent

My Soul to Take (Soul Screamers #1)

Rachel Vincent

Publication Date: Originally Published August 1, 2009

Republished in Soul Screamers Volume 1 November 22, 2011

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Paperback 279 pgs

Goodreads 

Summary:

     In the first book in the Soul Screamers series we learn more about Kaylee Cavanaugh  and what her panic attacks really mean. Meanwhile young girls are dying but the deaths seem too similar to be a coincidence. Kaylee will not have to figure this out on her own. She meets Nash Hudson a fellow student at Eastlake High School who just happens to also be the hottest guy at Eastlake. Nash seems to know more about Kaylee's screaming than she does. Along with Nash, Kaylee meets Tod, a grim reaper who reluctantly decides to help them. Together they will try to figure out why these young girls are dying and try and stop it if the can.

Review:

     So starts the gushing. I originally read this book a couple weeks ago but since I finished the series I felt as though I needed a refresher so I went a head and re-read My Soul to Take. What can I say I really really like this series. Why? I think it has a lot to do with the female lead, Kaylee. Kaylee is a very determined girl who has a strong sense of justice that keeps her fighting for those she cares about and those she doesn't know.  Kaylee refuses to turn a blind eye to all the deaths that are happening around her. She feels as though she has to do something for these girls. I really liked this aspect of Kaylee's personality. It was one of the reasons I felt compelled to read more about her. She's just so darn likable but not in a sickly sweet kind of way, more like a I need to fight to protect people because it's the right thing to do, kinda way. Plus she has a sense of humor that makes her even more engaging as a female lead. Throughout this book she learns some very difficult things about herself and those around her but she doesn't fall to pieces, she deals with it and moves forward. In case you couldn't tell I think she is an awesome character!

     In My Soul to Take we are introduced to Kaylee's best friend, Emma Marshal. Emma is really pretty, curvy, a total flirt, and extremely loyal to Kaylee. Despite the fact that Kaylee's panic attacks can be a little weird Emma would never dessert her. Emma's loyalty is what makes her so endearing to me. Emma moves from group to group depending on who she is dating but she never leaves Kaylee behind. Another character introduced in this book is Nash Hudson. Nash is the hottest guy at Eastlake High, girls drool over him constantly and he has his pick of any girl he wants. It's from Nash that Kaylee will learn more about who she is and what she can do. I really liked Nash. He seems to honestly care about Kaylee and want to help her figure out what is going on with all the dying girls. Through Nash we meet Tod. Tod is a grim reaper who works at the local hospital. He has pretty blue eyes, a head full of golden curls, perfect lips, and loves annoying Nash. He helps Kaylee and Nash with information about the dying girls. Tod is the type of character that draws you in and you feel compelled to learn more about him.

     I really loved learning about the world that Kaylee inhabits. It's filled with interesting characters that definitely leave me wanting more. The world that Rachel Vincent created is so original, engaging, and vivid that I can't believe I waited so long to read this amazing series.

Cover:

     I love the vivid red on the cover of My Soul to Take. Plus the swirling dress makes the cover stand out even more.