becs_l's review against another edition
4.0
I have heard many good things about The Soul Screamers series. Many people appear to be loving it. I have to admit the main reasons I hadn't started this series earlier was because it wasn't widely available in book shops and I could never bring myself to order it online. I am always buying lots of books and My Soul to Take always got pushed to the bottom of the list. However I managed to find a copy really cheaply so I went for it to see what all the fuss was about. I'll be honest I didn't have very high expectations but I am not disappointed.
What I didn't know about this series before I started was that each book would be a different mystery. I thought it was one very long drawn out seven book series. So when the mystery was resolved at the end of the novel I was pleasantly surprised. I think this is what will ultimately make the series work. If this was one continuous story line I would have a lot more bones to pick with it. The main one being Kaylee and Nash's rapid relationship. I will get to that in a moment.
What kept me going through this book was the mystery. I just had to know who was causing the deaths of the young girls and what their connection was to Kaylee. It wasn't obvious and it wasn't very predictable. A few more clues would have been nice, I felt it was more accidental than anything else. I hope that the mysteries will get better as the series goes on.
I am intrigued by the paranormal world in this novel. Banshees are not something I have ever read about before. I am definitely open to all suggestions when it comes to the wailing females. I liked the differences between the males and females, and I hope that we have only just scratched the surface for what is to come.
Now for my niggles. There a few but they didn't seriously detract from my enjoyment. The main one as mentioned earlier, was the romantic relationship between Kaylee and Nash. It all happened way to fast, pretty much insta-love apart from the fact that they don't say they love each other... yet. There was no romantic tension or getting to know each other. One minute they are meeting the next they are snogging. I think that they should remain friends at this point and it should have developed over the series.
The next niggle was the lack of allowing the reader to piece things together themselves. Details about the paranormal world were spoon fed to you. I wish Kaylee discovered things more so we could too.
I surprisingly enjoyed this book and it was a quick and easy read. While I am not blown away, most people say that this series really picks up in book 3. Let's hope it does. I am looking forward to continuing the series especially since it ends this year.
What I didn't know about this series before I started was that each book would be a different mystery. I thought it was one very long drawn out seven book series. So when the mystery was resolved at the end of the novel I was pleasantly surprised. I think this is what will ultimately make the series work. If this was one continuous story line I would have a lot more bones to pick with it. The main one being Kaylee and Nash's rapid relationship. I will get to that in a moment.
What kept me going through this book was the mystery. I just had to know who was causing the deaths of the young girls and what their connection was to Kaylee. It wasn't obvious and it wasn't very predictable. A few more clues would have been nice, I felt it was more accidental than anything else. I hope that the mysteries will get better as the series goes on.
I am intrigued by the paranormal world in this novel. Banshees are not something I have ever read about before. I am definitely open to all suggestions when it comes to the wailing females. I liked the differences between the males and females, and I hope that we have only just scratched the surface for what is to come.
Now for my niggles. There a few but they didn't seriously detract from my enjoyment. The main one as mentioned earlier, was the romantic relationship between Kaylee and Nash. It all happened way to fast, pretty much insta-love apart from the fact that they don't say they love each other... yet. There was no romantic tension or getting to know each other. One minute they are meeting the next they are snogging. I think that they should remain friends at this point and it should have developed over the series.
The next niggle was the lack of allowing the reader to piece things together themselves. Details about the paranormal world were spoon fed to you. I wish Kaylee discovered things more so we could too.
I surprisingly enjoyed this book and it was a quick and easy read. While I am not blown away, most people say that this series really picks up in book 3. Let's hope it does. I am looking forward to continuing the series especially since it ends this year.
eroof514's review
4.0
I found myself taking a chance on this book when I ran out of new books to read. I can honestly say that I wasn't disappointed! I really enjoyed that this story had a storyline that dealt with the supernatural, but that also didn't deal with vampires. I lI've a good vampire read but it seems as though thats all you really get today. I liked that she was a banshee and she has to figure out what that means for her. I can't wait to continue this series I really enjoyed it!
madwonder's review against another edition
3.0
For once, something that isn't about your normal everyday supernatural and paranormal spooks. I enjoyed this book to an extent. There were too many things in this book that I predicted really early on and I'm not a big fan of knowing before hand. I like reading something that throws a few shocks your way. There weren't any in this for me. The characters are pretty decent and its always nice to throw in a bit of a love story. It is however lacking the romance and tension that I normally enjoy. Kaylee and Nash didn't seem to waste any time before they were considered a couple. 5 minutes after eyes locking, all of a sudden feelings emerged. I like them together but I would have liked a bit more time and for them to get to know about each other before that happened. It's worth the read but I am hoping there are some more intriguing developments in the next books.
lindaunconventionalbookworms's review against another edition
5.0
WOW, this was a totally awesome book! I loved how Kaylee dealt with her new self, and how she grew and took charge of herself and her situation.
Nash is great - I really hope that they WILL be able to have a long and happy life, and that Kaylee's dad will be able to accept all that will come his way as well.
I really didn't appreciate Sophie, though, totally spoiled girl, with little emphaty for others. Val scared me - but at the same time, she incarnated the kind of woman that there actually are plenty of in the real world, not just in the soulscreamer world! Way to go in order to try to stay forever young.
Poor Tod! I feel bad for him, but I have a feeling he will be around in the next books to wreak some havoc, both on Kaylee and on Nash.
And I could totally see Kaylee's dad and Harmony hooking up in the future :D
Nash is great - I really hope that they WILL be able to have a long and happy life, and that Kaylee's dad will be able to accept all that will come his way as well.
I really didn't appreciate Sophie, though, totally spoiled girl, with little emphaty for others. Val scared me - but at the same time, she incarnated the kind of woman that there actually are plenty of in the real world, not just in the soulscreamer world! Way to go in order to try to stay forever young.
Poor Tod! I feel bad for him, but I have a feeling he will be around in the next books to wreak some havoc, both on Kaylee and on Nash.
And I could totally see Kaylee's dad and Harmony hooking up in the future :D
nannasa16's review
3.0
http://katnissbraid.blogspot.it/2013/11/my-soul-to-take-review.html
3.5
mi piace.
l'aspetto meno gradevole è senza dubbi la storia d'amore tra Kay e Nash, è un po' troppo affrettata però ho amato la trama e la fantasia della storia, ci sono un sacco di fattori diversi ma è di facile comprensione.
E poi amoh il padre di Kay e Tod. (Ma se shippo Tod/Kay succede qualcosa di grave? c.c)
3.5
mi piace.
l'aspetto meno gradevole è senza dubbi la storia d'amore tra Kay e Nash, è un po' troppo affrettata però ho amato la trama e la fantasia della storia, ci sono un sacco di fattori diversi ma è di facile comprensione.
E poi amoh il padre di Kay e Tod. (Ma se shippo Tod/Kay succede qualcosa di grave? c.c)
erinarkin20's review
3.0
Great first book in this series. I enjoyed the characters and the actual story here. Looking forward to the next book to see what happens as I have a feeling things between Kaylee and Sophie won't be fixed. Also - Nash...he seems perfect - which has me wondering what will happen in the next book.
ellenpenleysmith's review
4.0
-Sigh-
What is there to say?
I think Rachel Vincent is a goddess when it comes to writing. Kaylee is a nice narrater- she has a way with words but is caring and realistic. She isn't over the top- a bit naive at times- but is really down to earth. She hasn't glamourized her life unlike her cousin, Sophie, who really has it all.
Read this story very quickly. Vincent brought the words to life and I'm extremely glad to have brought these books because they're a series I shall read over and over again.
I definitly recommend this book for everybody looking for a new angle at the urban fantasy/paranormal or who just want a nice, quick, LOL, gasp of a read.
What is there to say?
I think Rachel Vincent is a goddess when it comes to writing. Kaylee is a nice narrater- she has a way with words but is caring and realistic. She isn't over the top- a bit naive at times- but is really down to earth. She hasn't glamourized her life unlike her cousin, Sophie, who really has it all.
Read this story very quickly. Vincent brought the words to life and I'm extremely glad to have brought these books because they're a series I shall read over and over again.
I definitly recommend this book for everybody looking for a new angle at the urban fantasy/paranormal or who just want a nice, quick, LOL, gasp of a read.
mrose21's review
4.0
Interesting read.
Its a cool take on grim reapers and banshees (sorry bean siche). I love the reaper stories so I am again interested in the differences here.
Its a cool take on grim reapers and banshees (sorry bean siche). I love the reaper stories so I am again interested in the differences here.
thecozyreaderwbo's review
5.0
Plot: 5
Setting: 5
Writing: 5
Originality: 5
Characters: 5
Passion: 4
Overall: 29/30 - 96% - A
Cover/Title Bonus: 5
I picked up MSTT at BEA in May. It was the first book upon my arrival back home that I read. I even picked up a very cute shirt that matches the cover! And the best part? Meeting Rachel! She was signing these at the Harlequin booth. I just wish I could have had a conversation with her but alas, there was a line and I also had to get into Gena Showalter's line for a copy of Intertwined (review coming VERY soon).
Rachel will be featured here in a few weeks to celebrate the release date for My Soul to Take. There will be a contest for a signed copy as well as for an ARC because I just received another copy from the publisher! Maybe I'll start that contest a bit early that way someone will be lucky and get their hands on it before the release date! Stay tuned! On with my review.
There's an excerpt on Amazon.com but it's really long so click and go read! :)
Plot:
The plot was great. It mixed together the paranormal element of Kaylee being able to tell when someone was going to die, the angst of just being a teen, and twisted in the mystery behind the teens that are dying. Everything flowed very well together. I was very interested in figuring out how it would all end.
Setting:
It was set in a pretty typical town. Most of it took place in their high school with side scenes in Kaylee's house and Nash's house. Nothing really paranormal about the setting.
Writing:
This was Rachel's first YA novel. I've read all of her previous adult novels. She did very well I thought. I believe it will be a well enjoyed book by both YA and adult readers. It has all the elements of her adult novels just with out intimate scenes and less blood scenes, which is very typical of her adult novels. I thought it ended too soon though, as in too short. I wanted to keep reading. I'm glad there will be more books in this series!
Originality:
Now, this is were Rachel rocked. Soul screamers!?!? Never read a book about them! I did a little research after reading this because I was just like "What?! Where did they come from?". I've heard of banshees, of course, but I didn't understand them like I do now. So by picking this very original topic Rachel not only made it very interesting to read about but it was a teaching session too. Learning IS fun!
Characters:
Kaylee is the main character. She can "see" when someone is about to die. It's actually very sad. I would HATE to have that ability. Luckily she meets Nash. He's a cute guy from her school who helps her through this odd time in her life. He's really a sweetheart and I couldn't have liked him any more than I do.
Emma is Kaylee's best friend. She was cool too. There's also a character named Tod. I can't say much about him but I really enjoyed him in this story and I'm really hoping to see more of him in the next books!
Kaylee lives with her Aunt and Uncle in his book. Her father does make an appearance and I'm thinking he'll be in the next book too. I'd like that too. He seemed genuinely interested in forming a relationship with Kaylee. And Rachel does an amazing job at writing the characters dad very well.
Passion:
Kaylee and Nash do have a budding relationship in this book. It's not a typical teenage relationship because of what's going on but it does have a lot to relate to. Nash is the sweetest. He and Kaylee make a very good pair. I took off a point in passion because I felt it got pushed to the side a bit because of the big mystery going on. Therefore, it's more of a mystery than a romance, so keep that in mind.
Overall:
It was a very good read. Rachel did not disappoint at all. I'm really looking forward to the next installment My Soul to Save (Soul Screamers, Book 2), which is set to release January 1, 2010 (yikes! That's 6 months away!), and can't be pre-ordered yet (WTF!?).
Cover/Title:
The cover is gorgeous. The title is good. I do get them confused though, when I'm trying to think of the prequel and the second book title I usually switch them up.
Setting: 5
Writing: 5
Originality: 5
Characters: 5
Passion: 4
Overall: 29/30 - 96% - A
Cover/Title Bonus: 5
I picked up MSTT at BEA in May. It was the first book upon my arrival back home that I read. I even picked up a very cute shirt that matches the cover! And the best part? Meeting Rachel! She was signing these at the Harlequin booth. I just wish I could have had a conversation with her but alas, there was a line and I also had to get into Gena Showalter's line for a copy of Intertwined (review coming VERY soon).
Rachel will be featured here in a few weeks to celebrate the release date for My Soul to Take. There will be a contest for a signed copy as well as for an ARC because I just received another copy from the publisher! Maybe I'll start that contest a bit early that way someone will be lucky and get their hands on it before the release date! Stay tuned! On with my review.
There's an excerpt on Amazon.com but it's really long so click and go read! :)
Plot:
The plot was great. It mixed together the paranormal element of Kaylee being able to tell when someone was going to die, the angst of just being a teen, and twisted in the mystery behind the teens that are dying. Everything flowed very well together. I was very interested in figuring out how it would all end.
Setting:
It was set in a pretty typical town. Most of it took place in their high school with side scenes in Kaylee's house and Nash's house. Nothing really paranormal about the setting.
Writing:
This was Rachel's first YA novel. I've read all of her previous adult novels. She did very well I thought. I believe it will be a well enjoyed book by both YA and adult readers. It has all the elements of her adult novels just with out intimate scenes and less blood scenes, which is very typical of her adult novels. I thought it ended too soon though, as in too short. I wanted to keep reading. I'm glad there will be more books in this series!
Originality:
Now, this is were Rachel rocked. Soul screamers!?!? Never read a book about them! I did a little research after reading this because I was just like "What?! Where did they come from?". I've heard of banshees, of course, but I didn't understand them like I do now. So by picking this very original topic Rachel not only made it very interesting to read about but it was a teaching session too. Learning IS fun!
Characters:
Kaylee is the main character. She can "see" when someone is about to die. It's actually very sad. I would HATE to have that ability. Luckily she meets Nash. He's a cute guy from her school who helps her through this odd time in her life. He's really a sweetheart and I couldn't have liked him any more than I do.
Emma is Kaylee's best friend. She was cool too. There's also a character named Tod. I can't say much about him but I really enjoyed him in this story and I'm really hoping to see more of him in the next books!
Kaylee lives with her Aunt and Uncle in his book. Her father does make an appearance and I'm thinking he'll be in the next book too. I'd like that too. He seemed genuinely interested in forming a relationship with Kaylee. And Rachel does an amazing job at writing the characters dad very well.
Passion:
Kaylee and Nash do have a budding relationship in this book. It's not a typical teenage relationship because of what's going on but it does have a lot to relate to. Nash is the sweetest. He and Kaylee make a very good pair. I took off a point in passion because I felt it got pushed to the side a bit because of the big mystery going on. Therefore, it's more of a mystery than a romance, so keep that in mind.
Overall:
It was a very good read. Rachel did not disappoint at all. I'm really looking forward to the next installment My Soul to Save (Soul Screamers, Book 2), which is set to release January 1, 2010 (yikes! That's 6 months away!), and can't be pre-ordered yet (WTF!?).
Cover/Title:
The cover is gorgeous. The title is good. I do get them confused though, when I'm trying to think of the prequel and the second book title I usually switch them up.