Tools for this page
Print

My Soul to Take

(2009, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Rachel Vincent)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Not literary, but fun teen fantasy (and plenty of romance).

Themes in this book include:   dating/crushes, family relationships, loss

Why We Rated This on for Ages 14 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    May get teens interested in learning about banshees and other mythical creatures.
  • Messages:

    There is a good message in the midst of all this romance and mysticism about accepting who you are and fighting for the people you love.  It's quiet, but it's there.
  • Role models:

    Kaylee is a strong character who is willing to do what she can to save those she loves. 
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Nothing too graphic, but a number of girls do drop dead of no apparent cause. Also, Kaylee's mother was killed in car accident, and, later in the book, her aunt dies. There are a number of rather creepy creatures, and a rather intense scene in which Kaylee battles a grim reaper for her cousin's soul.
  • Sex:

    Some pretty passionate makeout sessions, including lots of licking and burning kisses that "scalded ... in the most delicious way." Kaylee wonders about Nash's reputation and if he will end their romance if she has sex with him.
  • Language:

    A few words here and there, including "crap" and "s--t."
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Kaylee's best friend has a drink at a club they've snuck into, and another girl there is very drunk. After Kaylee and her cousin see a classmate die, Kaylee's aunt gives her daughter prescription pills to help her sleep, and then gets drunk. 
 

What Parents Need to Know

About My Soul to Take

Parents need to know that this book features both fantastical creature and murders, though violence is pretty limited. Kaylee has to deal with demons --  both real ones and symbolic ones (like accepting that her mother died so she can live).  Also, it is a Harlequin, so expect some romance (although, making out is as far as the main characters go). Some characters drink, and an adult gives her daughter sleeping pills that aren't prescribed to her. In the end, though, the heroine is a strong character who fights for those she loves. Fantasy fans may even be inspired to research the myths this story is based around.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the popularity of the fantasy book series. This is just part one of the Soul Screamers series -- do you think you'll read the next one? What is so great about a series? Why do think they are so popular right now, especially those series that feature vampires, werewolves, and other mythical creatures? 
  • On a related note, Kaylee has to accept the fact that she is not human. Families can discuss what kinds of creatures they'd like to be (or not) -- and why that idea of being something supernatural might be appealing to teens who are exploring -- and learning to accept -- their own identities. 
  • Also, Harlequins have been around for a long time -- and teens have been reading them long before the HarlequinTeen imprint was launched. Why would a publisher decided to publish these just for teens? How are they different from their adult counterparts? Which do you prefer?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you read it? Review It!

  • What did you think about My Soul to Take?
  •  I think this book is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title and give it 0.0

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    New Moon Is Rising

    New Moon Is Rising

    Fans are gearing up for the 11/20 release.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Must See TV

    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Game of the Week

    LEGO Rock Band

    LEGO Rock Band

    Simplified, no-fail Rock Band with a whimsical story.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name