Review and Interview: My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent.

For Review:  Mira Ink.  Published 6 January 2011
From Goodreads:  She doesn't see dead people, but… She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next…

After reading her Shifter Series I am a massive fan of Rachel Vincent!  I absolutely adore that series so I was especially eager to read My Soul to Take .  I'm glad to say I was not at all disappointed!

We first meet Kaylee sneaking into a nightclub with her friend Emma.  While there she runs into Nash, a guy she knows from school. But when Kaylee see a girl from across the room she knows with absolute certainty that the girl will soon die. At the same time she has an uncontrollable urge to scream and it's only with Nash's help that she manages to prevent herself from doing so. The next day she finds out that the girl is dead and her prediction came true. When more girls die unexpectedly, Kaylee starts to question what is happening. Is she crazy or is something else going on...?

I really loved the mythology behind this one. With so many paranormal books hitting the shelves lately it's great to read something that feels completely fresh.  I loved that we get to learn all about the world with Kaylee,  as she is as much in the dark as we are.  And the world created is great!  I loved the idea of Bean Sidhes, Reapers and the Netherworld.

Character wise I loved Kaylee and Nash.  They definitely have chemistry!  Kaylee gained more and more confidence as time progressed.  She was very likeable and I will be interested to see what she's like now she know the truth.   Nash was fun and I liked him instantly.  I think he has the potential to be an interesting character and I'm hoping that the chemistry between him and Kaylee continues but that they also develop a genuine friendship.

Sophie was awesome!  Such attitude that's just great fun and she's definitely the cousin 'I love to hate but may end up loving'.  Although Emma seemed fun we don't really get the chance to know her well but she appeared to be a great friend to Kaylee.   As for Tod ... well he's very interesting!

The writing is top notch and what I have come to expect from this author.  I love the way she gets inside the characters heads and she always manages to surprise me!  Things happen in this one that I just didn't see coming but I always kick myself afterwards because the hints are always there!

 So .. enough fan-girl gushing from me!  Except to say I loved it and can't wait for more!

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Rachel kindly took the time to answer a few of my questions...

How did you come up with the idea for the Soul Screamers series?
I did a lot of research and a lot of brainstorming. And a lot of plotting. Boring, but true. It’s mostly just a lot of hard work.

If it was made into a film or TV series who would you like cast in the roles?
I don’t know! Hopefully someone not known from another film. I’d like to have actors who don’t bring any previous associations to the roles.

How many books are planned for the series? Can you give us any hints on what’s in store for the characters?
Right now, I’m contracted through book 5 (IF I DIE) in the US/Canada. After that, only time (and sales) will tell. As for what’s coming…soul-stealing hellions, addictive Netherworld substances, and Nightmare ex-girlfriends. Lots of drama. Lots of danger. Lots of kissing. ;)

What is your favourite aspect of being a writer? And the most challenging?
I love getting to make stuff up for a living. I love living in my own head. I love feeling like I’ve been able to capture an emotion with words in a way that no other writer could have, because they’re MY words.

The most challenging thing is forcing my brain to be creative, when I REALLY don’t feel like working. You know how some days you want to do nothing but veg? Yeah, I rarely get those days. Writing is my job. It pays my bills. So I don’t have time to be a sensitive artist. I must create on a deadline. ;)

What is a typical writing day like for you? Do you have any ‘must-haves’ before you can start?
Get up. Make coffee. Eat cereal. Drink coffee. Check email and answer urgent messages. Blog. Cross-post blog onto other networking sites. Answer Qs on Facebook and Twitter. Start writing, or revising, or editing, depending on what deadline is most pressing. Watch an episode of something on Netflix while I eat lunch. Then back to work. And I work until the goal is met. If I meet it early, I get to read, watch TV or play video games. If not, I work until I fall into bed around midnight.

Who are some of your favourite authors? Are there any books you would recommend?
My favourite author is Stephen King. My favourite of his books are The Stand, It, and all of the Dark Tower books.

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Thanks Rachel!  It is wrong that I'm very glad about the lots of kissing part - especially if it's between Kaylee and Nash?  :)

You can find Rachel at the following places:

Twitter
Website
Blog
Goodreads

Also,  Mira Ink will be launching it's website on Monday so check back here for the link:)