Rogue Souls
Author: Chelsea Muller
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: C
What I’m Talking About:
Rogue Souls is the second title in Ms. Muller’s fascinating and original Soul Charmer series. Picking up after the conclusion of the first book, the story follows Callie Delgado as she delves deeper into the mysterious soul magic thrust upon her by the Soul Charmer. Callie is starting her “apprenticeship” with the Soul Charmer, and her brother is living with her as he detoxes. Callie’s journey is a violent and dark one, leaving her questioning the direction her life is heading.
Overall, I continue to find the premise behind the stories interesting; however, I had some issues with the book and found it difficult to stay connected to the story. But there are things I enjoyed a lot. I like the developing relationship between Derek and Callie. I appreciate that they acknowledge the darkness of their actions and within each other without turning away. I love how Derek always has Callie’s back, giving her the support and love she’s been missing. I also enjoy the deeper philosophical discussions about why people rent souls. The author has created a complex and exciting mythology.
One of the things that bothered me about the mythology/storytelling is Callie’s extreme reactions to souls and soul magic. I wanted to understand why she gets so cold that her hand literally freezes up with users and her body catches on fire with too many souls. It feels arbitrary, and I needed to understand a connection. As the story develops, more soul magic secrets come to light; however, I felt that every bit was just a piece and the whole picture continues to elude me.
Another reason I struggled connecting to the story is the amount of repetitive observations and comments made by Callie. Things like how Callie hates working for the Charmer and how he’s subhuman. Or the fact that she rented a soul only once and her general thoughts about soul-borrowing. Or how “Tiny pieces of your own soul were ripped away with every extraction of a rented one.” It’s like the book is spinning its wheels but not moving forward.
Finally, I was disappointed on the lack of follow through on some significant events. For example, when Callie and Derek were having dinner with Callie’s estranged family. Callie uses her soul magic in a very invasive way, but then we don’t see the outfall from her actions. I would have liked some page time dedicated to the reactions of her mom and brother. Another example is the lack of follow up on Callie’s relationship with her boss, Louisa, and the repercussions of Callie’s actions.
Although I enjoy the premise of the series and really liked parts of Rogue Souls, unfortunately, I never connected completely with the story or its characters. I found myself waiting for something more to happen, feeling like I was just drifting along from scene to scene. There would be times when events picked up, and I was momentarily caught up, but then something would happen to pop the bubble.
My Rating: C, Finished It – Liked some, didn’t like some
Jen
About the Book:
Callie Delgado volunteered to apprentice to Gem City’s Soul Charmer. He’d forced the soul magic ability into her, but now it was hers. She’d learn to control her body’s reaction to rented souls or go up in flames. Literally.
She exchanged her chance to escape the darker side of Gem City to save her brother. Now she needs to keep him sober and safe, try to mend family ties, and avoid the mobsters who have too much interest in the magic of borrowing souls.
But when bodies begin dropping at the Soul Charmer’s door, it’s up to Callie and her partner Derek to track down the person killing soul renters. The Charmer wants retribution, but Callie is determined to get justice even if it means putting herself directly in the sights of the murderer.
If she wants to stay on the Soul Charmer’s good side, Callie must confront her enemies head-on and learn to command rogue souls.
…and hope someone she loves doesn’t become the next victim.
Release Date: July 12, 2018
Publisher: self-published
Series: Soul Charmer #2
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): paperback (316 pages), e-book
Book Source: Author
Purchase Info:
Amazon
Reviews in the Series:
Borrowed Souls by Chelsea Mueller (Soul Charmer #1)