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My Soul to Take

(2009, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Rachel Vincent)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    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?
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