Book Review: My Soul to Keep by Sean Hayden

My Soul to Keep (Rise of the Fallen)
by Sean Hayden.
Author’s Website: http://shaydenfl.wordpress.com/
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Soul-Keep-Rise-Fallen-ebook/dp/B0080N68AA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336360810&sr=8-1

Reviewer received this book in ARC form from the author.

Blurb:

A YA Paranormal Romance novel
Ever have one of those bad ideas just pop into your head? You know the ones. They seem like a great idea at the time, but if you had stopped to think about it a moment…
I’m talking about those ideas where you just seize the moment and do what your heart tells you to. Then, after the dust settles and you get bandaged up, your parents say, “What the hell were you thinking?”
“But, Dad, I wasn’t!”
I had one of those moments.
I guess if you want to be technical, I had a whole chain of those moments leading up to the big bang moment. The problem was I didn’t have anyone standing around saying, “What the hell were you thinking?”
The moral of this story?
There are several.
First, stores don’t sell black candles for a reason. They’re bad news. If you happen to come across one in the mall that sells questionable items…walk away. Trust me on this one. Black candles are bad.
Second, always know what you want out of life. Coasting along, not caring about anything will get you into trouble. Maybe more than you can handle.
Lastly, if someone offers to grant you your fondest wish, wish for something you really, truly want. Wish for something that will make the world a better place or you a better person. Never ever wish to be a monster…

Review by J. A. Campbell
Connor is a fairly typical teen. He loves video games and hates math, so what possesses him to make a wish, written in blood and burned over a black candle? Maybe the math homework drove him to it. Connor’s wish propels him into a world he had no idea existed and turns his ideas of who the good guys and bad guys are upside down. You might think the Fallen are demons and the Chosen are angels, which, mostly they are, but the angels aren’t necessarily the good guys and the demons aren’t necessarily the bad ones. Fallen, Clarisse befriends Connor and teaches him about his new powers (from his wish). A new girl, Jessica, moves to the area and seems to like him. Before, Connor couldn’t find a girl interested in him to save his life, now he has two beautiful girls hanging out with him, and crazy cool powers. Oh, and he gets his first, very unexpected kiss ever—what could go wrong?

This is a very fast paced story full of adventure, love, heartbreak, and strange powers. I really enjoyed Mr. Hayden’s clean writing and compelling characters. Connor is a very well told main character full of real teen insecurities and strengths. You really feel Connor’s emotions, are happy when he’s happy and torn up when he’s hurt. The story stands alone, but the ending hooks you in and leaves you anxious for the next book. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves YA Urban Fantasy with a nice touch of romance.

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