Before I Wake - Rachel Vincent

Before I Wake (Soul Screamers #6) -Rachel Vincent
Grade: YA
Rating: 5/5 stars

I died on a Thursday-killed by a monster intent on stealing my soul. The good news? He didn't get it. The bad news? Turns out not even death will get you out of high school... Covering up her own murder was one thing, but faking life is much harder than Kaylee Cavanaugh expected. After weeks spent "recovering," she's back in school, fighting to stay visible to the human world, struggling to fit in with her friends and planning time alone with her new reaper boyfriend. But to earn her keep in the human world, Kaylee must reclaim stolen souls, and when her first assignment brings her face-to-face with an old foe, she knows the game has changed. Her immortal status won't keep her safe. And this time Kaylee isn't just gambling with her own life....(Description from Goodreads)


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WARNING: I HAVE TRIED TO KEEP THIS REVIEW SPOILER FREE. BUT DOES CONTAIN ISSUES FROM PREVIOUS BOOKS!

It’d be a crazy year if I didn’t get excited about a Rachel Vincent book. Rachel became one of my favourite authors last year and I was so happy to get thrown back into the Soul Screamers world – especially with the way ‘If I Die’ ended.

I was desperate to find out what was going on with Kaylee after her life took a massive turn when her teacher attempted to steal her soul – not exactly a fun, after school activity. But when your life is wrapped up in the supernatural, you shouldn’t be so surprised when some new paranormal evil attempts to kill you. Kaylee is in a difficult position in ‘Before I Wake’. Recruited to collect wrongfully taken souls, she faces her most physical and emotional battle yet. When the fate of a soul’s existence rests on your shoulders, there’s a lot of pressure to get the job done right. Kaylee is such a different person to the girl we met in ‘My Soul to Take’ – she’s grown so much. I love that she’s changed; it wouldn’t be a fun series if the main character stayed the same. Despite sometimes wishing to go backwards to the Kaylee we first met, I wouldn’t have her any other way. I love how determined she is and while she might not being a physical fighter, she’s stronger than she looks. She never gives up and always fights back.

Part of what I loved so much about ‘Before I Wake’ was how involved the hellions were in this book. I was a little disappointed that we hadn’t seen much of them in the last book. With Avari being so desperate for Kaylee’s soul, it was great to see him back in the thick of things and in more ways than before. The demons have found a way to cross over into the human world – and not just through possession. If there was ever a time to panic, now would be good. But panicking isn’t really on the minds of the characters – sure they’re worried about the danger of hellions having access to the human world, but they’re more determined to find out how the demons are getting across and how to stop them. There’s no time for a full-out panic attack. I don’t how to say much I loved having the hellions as the main focus – demons make everything more fun and dangerous! The excitement levels are definitely raised.

I was extremely worried going into this book, mostly for the relationship side of things. I am a very vocal Nash fan, and I was nervous about what would happen to my favourite bean sidhe boy, especially because ‘If I Die’ had a few major turning points for him. I’ve come to terms with the fact that Kaylee and Tod are slightly more suited for each other and there’s no denying that Tod is good at making Kaylee feel safe and protected – and we get to see him help her feel safe quite a few times. But I still can’t seem to love him more than Nash. I could not stop smiling every time he came onto the page. Broken, hurt, defeated; Nash had to watch the girl he loves be with someone else and accept that it was may be time to move on. I just wanted to hug him over and over again. My only wish for the series’ end, is for Nash to be happy.

‘Before I Wake’ was an emotional book, there was no way to stop being dragged into the folds, watch out for shocking twists towards the end. Rachel Vincent has a way of grabbing hold of you and throwing you onto an emotional rollercoaster. I can’t count how many times she’s made me tear up in the past, and 'Before I Wake' made me bring out the tissues a couple of times; but it just goes to show how powerful her characters and stories are. I can’t get enough. It makes me scared for the final Soul Screamers book. With Rachel Vincent – anything can happen.

Dying to find out what happens next. I know it’s going to be fabulous.

5/5 stars


Kim
(Originally posted on Goodreads)

Blood Bound Giveaway

Giveaway!

ATTENTION: The following giveaway is an ADULT giveaway.

We're feeling like it's time to host another super fantastic giveaway! We set the bar high with our signed copy of Silence last time and, not wanting to disappoint, we've got more signed gifts for ONE lucky Australian.

One of my favourite adult books from last year was Blood Bound by Rachel Vincent. An action-packed read that had both Kerrie and me falling in love with the characters and world, and dying to know what happens next. (See my review of Blood Bound Here!)

Harlequin Australia was kind enough to provide us with a copy of Blood Bound to help spread the Unbound love around Australia.

(Excuse the photo, bad camera day)

I did say this was a signed giveaway. Unfortunately the book isn't signed (I wish!). But we do have something special to add to the winner's prize. Last year Kerrie was lucky enough to receive some signed Shadow Bound postcards from Rachel Vincent herself. Shadow Bound is the sequel to Blood Bound and a book I'm dying to get my hands on; and the cover is equally as fantastic as the Blood Bound cover.

(Again, sorry for the photos. They look better in real life)

So we're giving one lucky winner a ONE paperback copy of Blood Bound by Rachel Vincent and TWO signed postcards!



Details
* One entry per person.
* You must be at least 18 years old or have permission from your parents before entering.
* Must be an Australian resident (sorry international followers)
* Must be a GFC follower and leave following name in the form below.
* The giveaway is open now and will run until 11:59pm (AEST) 15th April 2012
* Winner will be picked by Random.org and announced on the blog.
* Winner will also be emailed and have 1 week to reply before a new winner is picked.
* We are not responsible for lost or damaged property (I'm going to try really hard to protect your book but then I have to trust Australia Post with the rest)

Giveaway now closed.

Thanks for entering.

Good luck!

 Kim & Kerrie

If I Die - Rachel Vincent

If I Die (Soul Screamers #5) - Rachel Vincent
Grade: YA
Rating: 5/5 stars

The entire school's talking about the gorgeous new math teacher, Mr. Beck. Everyone except Kaylee Cavanaugh. After all, Kaylee's no ordinary high-school junior. She's a banshee—she screams when someone dies.

But the next scream might be for Kaylee.

Yeah—it's a shock to her, too. So to distract herself, Kaylee's going to save every girl in school. Because that hot new teacher is really an incubus who feeds on the desire of unsuspecting students. The only girls immune to his lure are Kaylee and Sabine, her boyfriend's needy ex-girlfriend. Now the unlikely allies have to get rid of Mr. Beck…before he discovers they aren't quite human, either.

But Kaylee's borrowed lifeline is nearing its end. And those who care about her will do anything to save her life. Anything. (Description from Goodreads)

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What would you do if you were told you had 6 days to live? You’re not sick, you’re not dying; all you know is that something will happen in 6 days, and you will no longer live. Would you change your life; would you change yourself? ‘If I Die’ explores this confronting and heartbreaking issue for Kaylee Cavanaugh, with the added bonus of supernatural forces attempting to complicate her last few days. Rachel Vincent does an amazing job of continuing Kaylee’s journey and completely flips the Soul Screamers story. There were more twists and turns than I could possibly imagine; I’m still trying to process everything that happened.

Death’s not exactly unusual for a Soul Screamers novel, but it’s harder to handle when Kaylee’s the one we’re excepting to die. Not many novels in an on-going series present the possibility of narrators dying, so it’s impossible to put ‘If I Die’ down until you’ve finished the book. There is no way to tell if Kaylee will live or not and I was dying (no pun intended) to find out what happens next.

I can’t believe how emotional ‘If I Die’ was. I should have been expecting it, because Rachel Vincent has a way of getting into your head and heart. Her stories are so powerful and they influence you so much. Death, saying goodbye and letting go of your life are all magnified through the relationships Kaylee is a part of; and I’m not just talking about her love life. Family, friends and loved ones; you’ll definitely be reaching for the tissue box. Kaylee’s dad touched me the most, his pain at the thought of losing her made me ache.

Speaking of pain, I think the hardest parts of ‘If I Die’ were the romantic issues Kaylee faces. It’s not secret to readers that Kaylee has both Hudson boys trying to gain her love, trust and attention; and this is what killed me while reading the book. I’ve always been a Nash fan. I feel like there’s something so sad and troubling about him, he’s had a tough life and has made a few mistakes in the recent past, but despite this I can’t help loving him. Then there’s Tod, who you can’t hate. He’s funny, yet serious, and willing to do anything for the people he loves; and I’ve always felt sort of bad for him because he always seems lonely. That being said, I’m torn by the relationships in ‘If I Die’, I hate thinking that one of the Hudson brothers will be hurt because of their love for Kaylee. At this point in time, my loyalty stays with Nash. (Sorry Tod, you’re still awesome though).

I love Sabine. In ‘My Soul to Steal’ I thought she was horrible. While extremely entertaining, I wanted to hate her because she stood in the way of Kaylee/Nash happiness. But I found I adored her in ‘If I Die’. I love that she doesn’t hide what she’s thinking and that she’s super loyal to the people she loves. I’m glad my opinion has changed, because Sabine’s pretty cool.

I’m super shocked by the way the book ended, but more of a “WOW!” shocked than an “OMG”. Although ‘Before I Wake’ won’t be out until next year, I can’t wait to see what happens next. I guess there’s plenty of time to reread the series before the next instalment.

5/5 stars.


Kim
Originally posted on Goodreads

Blood Bound - Rachel Vincent

Blood Bound - Rachel Vincent

Grade: Adult - UF

Rating: 5/5 Stars 

By blood, by word, by magic…

Most can't touch the power. But Liv Warren is special— a paranormal tracker who follows the scent of blood.

Liv makes her own rules, and the most important one is trust no one.

But when her friend's daughter goes missing, Liv has no choice but to find the girl. Thanks to a childhood oath, Liv can't rest until the child is home safe. But that means trusting Cam Caballero, the former lover forbidden to her.

Bound by oath and lost in desire for a man she cannot have, Liv is racing to save the child from a dark criminal underworld where secrets, lies, trauma and danger lurk around every corner…every touch…every kiss.

And more blood will be spilled before it's over… (Description from Goodreads)

‘Blood Bound’ is an intense book that tells the story of how a childhood promise to always help and protect best friends can turn into a dangerous game of pain, heartache and fear.

Olivia Warren and Cameron Caballero are Skilled; people born with powers, each with their own specific ability. Despite the many Skills that exist, Liv and Cam are both Trackers, able to draw upon a powerful item and trace it back to the person who it belongs to. Cam works with names, because knowing someone’s name means having power over them. Liv works with blood, pulled by the signature that connected blood samples to their owner. Ex-lovers, Liv and Cam, are forced to work together after 6 years of being apart, to help a friend protect her daughter from being killed; all while trying to work around the control of crime syndicate leaders Jake Tower and Ruben Cavazos, who have an army of Skilled people bound to them by blood; a complicated and risky life to live in.

‘Blood Bound’ doesn’t just keep you on the edge of your seat with its plot, but also with its structure. A first person narration with two narrators; you’re on your toes the entire book, never quite sure who will take over the story in the next chapter. And while Liv’s voice is in control more often than Cam’s, both hold so much power over the story; showing lost love, forbidden love and the desire to be together, all while being caught up in the dangerous war between Tower and Cavazos.

I love how many Skills we come across in 'Blood Bound', there almost seems to be one for everything. A Tracker, Reader (lie detector), Binder (someone who binds others to contracts, usually in blood), Traveller (someone able to use shadows to ‘travel’ anywhere in the world), Seer...the list goes on. We find out about each new Skill as the story progresses, and while all powers have their limitations, it’s hard to not be fascinated by what each Skill can achieve, such as a Traveller being able to find the smallest shadow to escape through. I’d definitely be nervous in the dark knowing someone could come up behind me at any time.

Towards the middle of the book I started forming theories, and a few of them were right; but that only made me enjoy the book more, knowing that exciting plot twists I’d formed in my head were going to actually come true. (It’s sad when you want a certain plot arc to unfold and it doesn’t happen...imagining it in my head is never the same as having the author actually write it down. So well done Ms. Vincent for making my imagination come true). 

I was both happy and sad about the ending. I feel like Liv and Cam's future wasn't completely known; I guess anything can happen, especially with the Skilled involved. But I have a feeling they're not the main characters of book 2 (I'm 90% sure of that). It'll be sad not being in their heads, I've become attached to them over the past couple of days. If they're not the narrators, I hope we still see them in future books, I'd hate for their story to end with 'Blood Bound', although I doubt they'd be gone forever.

An unbelievable read. I can't wait to find out what happens next.

5/5 Stars.

Kim

Originally posted on Goodreads. http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/172919260

My Soul to Steal - Rachel Vincent

My Soul to Steal - Rachel Vincent
Grade: YA
Rating: 5/5 Stars

Trying to work things out with Nash—her maybe boyfriend—is hard enough for Kaylee Cavanaugh. She can't just pretend nothing happened. But "complicated" doesn't even begin to describe their relationship when his ex-girlfriend transfers to their school, determined to take Nash back.

See, Sabine isn't just an ordinary girl. She's a mara, the living personification of a nightmare. She can read people's fears—and craft them into nightmares while her victims sleep. Feeding from human fear is how she survives.

And Sabine isn't above scaring Kaylee and the entire school to death to get whatever—and whoever—she wants.

5 days and 4 Soul Screamers books later and I feel lost without more Kaylee, Nash and Tod. I've barely put 'My Soul to Steal' down and I'm already dying for the next one. I can't begin to explain how addictive this series is and how much it has affected me. It's not just an addiction to the teenage paranormal drama, especially the romance between our bean sidhe couple, but an addiction to the Netherworld action and reading about such a different world to what I'm used to. I read a wide range of paranormal books, but bean sidhes, maras and hypnos are not a common focus of YA novels. I love how unique the series is and can't wait to see what species will pop up next.

If something could go wrong, it pretty much did in 'My Soul to Steal'. Relationships waver, people die, fears are exposed, people are possessed by hellions from the Netherworld (And the hellion problem is proving to be a lot more trouble than it was before). It's hard to believe a few teenagers could go through so much trouble in such a short amount of time, but they do and they manage to pull through with most of their sanity still in place.

One of the hardest parts to deal with in 'My Soul to Steal' was the relationships. I'm a very big Kaylee/Nash fan, and I want to see them have a few happy moments together and soon. However, we all know Nash has a history of girls, it's not a secret. But apparently Kaylee's not his first non-human girlfriend. I was under the impression part of the bond formed between Nash and Kaylee was because they could truly be themselves around each other. Now with Sabine around, things get a little tricky. All parties to this odd sort of love triangle - not a real love triangle, because there doesn't seem to be much doubt about who each person wants to be with romantically yet - are in agony, and it gets a bit ugly at times. I found myself ready to yell at a couple of our favourite character for words that were said. Hopefully things will settle down in the next book.

I feel really bad for Kaylee and her understanding of the world she's now in. There are so many new aspects that keep surprising her and the shock that goes through Nash and Tod when she once again doesn't know about the secret non-human parts of life angers me for her. She's been kept in the dark for so many years, disadvantaged in knowledge of her "society". Someone needs to start giving her lessons on other species and not just "How To Be A Bean Sidhe" lessons.

Incredible series so far. Dying for the next one.
5/5 Stars

Kim
Originally posted on Goodreads. http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/163596758

My Soul to Keep - Rachel Vincent

My Soul to Keep - Rachel Vincent
Grade: YA
Rating: 5/5 Stars

Kaylee has one addiction: her very hot, very popular boyfriend, Nash. A banshee like Kaylee, Nash understands her like no one else. Nothing can come between them.

Until something does.

Demon breath. No, not the toothpaste-challenged kind. The Netherworld kind. The kind that really can kill you. Somehow the super-addictive substance has made its way to the human world. But how? Kaylee and Nash have to cut off the source and protect their friends—one of whom is already hooked.

And so is someone else…

If I thought my emotional responses to Rachel Vincent books ended with the Shifters series I was so wrong. Ms. Vincent has a way of getting you so attached to characters that the slightest hint of heartbreak sends you rushing for the tissue box. The Soul Screamers series so far has been action packed and super intense, and now I can add extremely emotional to that list. 'My Soul to Keep' made me want to scream and definitely made me cry at the end.

Nothing seems to be easy for Kaylee and Nash. You think they've made it past the worst troubles and might get a few moments to themselves, but then something new comes along to crush them. I've got to hand it Rachel, she knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat; never a gap in all that action.

I love that we get introduced to more Netherworld activities and creatures. It's a dangerous world, the Netherworld, and it seems to have a lot more influence over the human world than we know. I like that demons and problems from the previous books have also carried over into 'My Soul to Keep'; the stories keep tying themselves together with more than just bean sidhe/reaper problems. With all the times they've crossed into the Netherworld, it makes you wonder if they'll ever make it past the equivalent of their immediate area. There's got to be so many creatures and places that could cause a lot of trouble in the future.

My worries about *someone* coming between Nash and Kaylee weren't necessary, but *something*...that was heartbreaking. I know it's rare for a relationship to last an entire series without problems, but that doesn't stop me from hoping they'll be relatively happy most of the time. I hope they find a way to work out their issues soon.

Sort of sad we didn't get to see much of Tod this time. While I was wary of him before, I missed him popping in and out of existence, bugging Nash and Kaylee. But he helped save the day, so that definitely made up for his lack of scenes in the beginning. I like how much he cares for the people who he allows to see him. He might hide his emotions most of the time, but he truly cares for his family, Kaylee and especially Addy.

5/5 Stars

Kim
Originally posted on Goodreads. http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/163596734

My Soul to Save - Rachel Vincent

My Soul to Save - Rachel Vincent
Grade: YA
Rating: 5/5 Stars

When Kaylee Cavanaugh screams, someone dies.

So when teen pop star Eden croaks onstage and Kaylee doesn't wail, she knows something is dead wrong. She can't cry for someone who has no soul.

The last thing Kaylee needs right now is to be skipping school, breaking her dad's ironclad curfew and putting her too-hot-to-be-real boyfriend's loyalty to the test. But starry-eyed teens are trading their souls: a flickering lifetime of fame and fortune in exchange for eternity in the Netherworld - a consequence they can't possibly understand.

Kaylee can't let that happen, even if trying to save their souls means putting her own at risk... (Description from Goodreads)

'My Soul to Save' is another fantastic and intense book. So much action that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the last words are said. Kaylee's learning how to control her new powers, and it's strange because she only actually sung the soul song for one death this time. But it is also really interesting to see how she's adapting to her new life with her bean sidhe powers and living with her Dad for the first time in 13 years.

We get to see more of the world bean sidhes exist within, not just through Kaylee's bean sidhe training with Harmony Hudson, but also through the mysterious Netherworld and hellion involvement in 'My Soul to Save'. What better way to discover the secrets of the Netherworld than by attempting to rescue souls that have been sold to demons?

I love that we got to see a lot more of Tod too. I was right in thinking he's been lonely, and we meet the reason behind it. I'm still a little uncertain about him. He's edgy and dangerous still, but also struggles with hidden emotions and it's nice to see bits of it coming through. I'm not sure what to think about the Reapers though, they seem to have some troubles within their ranks. Someone better look into that.

I couldn't help but get a little annoyed every time Tod interrupted Nash and Kaylee's "alone" time, while you know it's not going to go too far straight away, there's always that hope that the characters will get a bit of privacy. I love Nash and Kaylee together, so I really wanted them to have some fun. I admire how detailed the make out scenes were in this book. Don't get any ideas, they were still relatively tame; but YA books rarely go all out, even though it's obvious you're not going to get an adult-rated "first experience", usually characters just kiss a little and feel faint. I like that Rachel doesn't hide what's obviously on teen minds.

I love the bond Kaylee and Nash have formed. Nash hates when Kaylee's in danger, but rather than fight her about what to do, he sticks by her in order to keep her safe. And who wouldn't want to stay with a sexy guy who can calm you down when you're about to scream (literally)? I still worry that something is going to happen to break them up, I hope I'm wrong.

Loved every word, can't wait to get into the next one.
5/5 Stars


Kim
Originally posted on Goodreads. http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/163596681

My Soul to Take - Rachel Vincent

My Soul to Take - Rachel Vincent
Grade: YA
Rating: 5/5 Stars

She doesn't see dead people. 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.  (Description from Goodreads.)

I had high expectations for 'My Soul to Take', not only because I recently read Rachel Vincent's 'Shifters' series and I've become a huge fan of Ms. Vincent; but also because I've been hearing so many fabulous things about the Soul Screamers series that I had to give it a go. And I'm SO glad I did.

I love that you're barely given a chance to breathe when reading the book. There are no breaks, nothing to slow down the pace of the story, only non-stop action leaving you wondering what could possibly happen next. I adored the paranormal focus of the book, and how different it is from anything I've read before. Bean sidhe (or "banshee") folk lore is something I haven't explored in the past. What I assumed about "banshees" couldn't be more different from what a bean sidhe is and does (for starters, the bean sidhe's cry isn't what causes death, who knew?). I loved experiencing a whole new branch of paranormal fiction, I'm hooked. And knowing there are not just bean sidhes in this world leaves the story open to so many interesting twists and turns (cryptic, trying not to post spoilers).

Despite her special secret powers, Kaylee Cavanaugh is such a normal, down-to-earth narrator. She panics, laughs, has a steady job, cries, feels vulnerable in relationships and has an equal normal female best friend (which often doesn't happen in novels. There are too many out there that limit the female friendships). She also has incredible strength to accept her bean sidhe abilities despite being lied to for so many years. Part of that is probably what she's had to go through over the years: the death of her mother, being passed off to her aunt and uncle instead of living with her dead, and being placed in a mental heath ward for a week (prior to 'My Soul to Take'). She may be new to this paranormal life, but she's dealing with it so well.

As in most novels, I always scope out potential guys who will influence the main girl, the two obvious ones being Nash and Tod.
Nash is awesome, I love him already. He may have a history of going through the ladies, but when he discovers who Kaylee really is you see a side of him that probably doesn't show in his "ladies man" persona. I melted when whispers in Kaylee's ear to calm down her panic attacks. I want to see Nash and Kaylee's relationship continue to grow, and hope nobody will break them up.
Tod is still slightly mysterious. We find out a lot about him, but I feel like we don't know the real Tod yet. He's cheeky and fun, but also seems  really lonely at time. I can't wait to see more of him (but like above, hope he's not going to cause trouble between Nash and Kaylee).

5/5 Stars. Can't wait to move onto the next one.

Kim
(Originally posted on Goodreads. http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/163596626 )