Review: This novella does a nice job introducing readers to Kaylee and her strange condition.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 29, 2014
My Soul To Lose is a prequel novella designed as an introduction to Rachel Vincent’s Young Adult series, Soul Screamers. It is about Kaylee Cavanaugh, a high school student who sees shadow visions so frightening that they send her into debilitating panic attacks. When one of these attacks strike her in the local Sears store, Kaylee is restrained by security guards and rushed to the hospital. She awakens to find herself in the psychiatric ward. I don’t want to say too much here, because it is a short book and I don’t want to give too much away.This novella does a nice job introducing readers to Kaylee and her strange condition. By leaving the ending somewhat open, she left me wanting to read more (which is kind of the whole point to a prequel). This is the first book I’ve read by Rachel Vincent, and I’m impressed. Her characters are real teenagers, not perfect little “Bella Swans.” Her characters were interesting, but relatable. Her descriptions of Kaylee’s panic attacks were terrifying and make the pulse race. This series might be a good one for those Twi-hards who are looking for something new to read.Overall, I give My Soul To Lose…Character Development – 3 bookmarksCompelling Plot – 3 bookmarks (Lots of open-ended questions, but I’m sure those will be addressed in future installments.)Age Appropriateness – 4 bookmarks (Light profanity, but if your kid can’t handle the word “shit” they have larger problems. The story might be a little bit scary for younger adolescents though.)Dream cast (otherwise known as who I pictured while reading) – Kristen Stewart (Kaylee – Sorry, must have had Bella on the brain.)