Borrowed Souls - Book Review

Borrowed Souls (Soul Charmer #1)
by Chelsea Mueller

What is it about:
Callie Delgado always puts family first, and unfortunately her brother knows it. She’s emptied her savings, lost work, and spilled countless tears trying to keep him out of trouble, but now he’s in deeper than ever, and his debt is on Callie’s head. She’s given a choice: do some dirty work for the mob, or have her brother returned to her in tiny pieces.

Renting souls is big business for the religious population of Gem City. Those looking to take part in immoral—or even illegal—activity can borrow someone else’s soul, for a price, and sin without consequence.

To save her brother, Callie needs a borrowed soul, but she doesn’t have anywhere near the money to pay for it. The slimy Soul Charmer is willing to barter, but accepting his offer will force Callie into a dangerous world of magic she isn’t ready for.

With the help of the guarded but undeniably attractive Derek—whose allegiance to the Charmer wavers as his connection to Callie grows—she’ll have to walk a tight line, avoid pissing off the bad guys, all while struggling to determine what her loyalty to her family’s really worth.

Losing her brother isn’t an option. Losing her soul? Maybe.

What did I think of it:
Confession: I tried to read this book in 2017 and DNFed it because I couldn't stand Callie. I thought she was narrow minded and prejudiced. I did enjoy the worldbuiling and the story however, so I wasn't totally ready to give up on the book. So when I saw that Chelsea Mueller would be at Worldcon I decided it was time to give Borrowed Souls a second try.

And I'm so glad I did!

Yes: Callie is really narrow minded at the start of the book, but where in 2017 I thought she wouldn't change, I now found out that not long after the point where I DNFed on my first read, she actually gets more mellow and even though she still is quick to judge, she shows signs of being able to see when she's wrong.

And there's the story and the worldbuilding, and Derek, the guy she has to work with! I was soon totally engrossed and eager to see what would happen. (I also really hoped Callie would realize her brother is a jerk who should solve his own problems). There is action, suspense, shady characters, strange and creepy magic, and more cool stuff.

So it turns out I DNFed too soon that first time. I ended up really enjoying this book and liking Callie more than I thought possible. You bet I had Chelsea Mueller sign the book, and that I'll be getting my trotters on the next book soon.

Why should you read it:
This book has a really cool story, and great worldbuilding and characters.


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