A Tainted Soul

by A.W. Rene

Sixteen-year-old Annaya Roth is fighting for her life to fit in at yet another new school—and to escape the Dead.
Annaya and her mother, Samantha, just moved to the small mountain town of Asherville. The people there are nice enough. They smile and wave—but Annaya knows to not get too close.
Samantha is tired of running. She just wants to keep her daughter safe. So, in one last desperate attempt to save Annaya—Samantha moves them to the one place she never wanted to step foot in again.

Genres: Horror

232 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2023

About the author

A currently resides along the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, sharing her chaotic abode with her loving husband, three mischievous goblins-turned-trolls, a duo of capricious feline companions, and a loyal canine whose DNA seems to be infused with that of a shark. When she's not exploring the dark recesses of her imagination, she’s usually telling her trolls to stop licking walls and that bees are not food while telling her husband about her escapades during book research. In her off time—when she can run away from her family—she’s knee-deep in a computer game, trolling and karaoke-ing to 80s songs at the top of her lungs.

Reviews

[Bon · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Demonic chanting] Happy release day!

Thanks very much to BDA Publishing via Netgalley for an ARC of their first publication, a great hint at what'll be coming from their publishing house. A Tainted Soul will be released September 1, and is both a fresh, modern horror novel and throwback to staples of the genre. TWs at the end of my review, as this book has quite the body count...

Annaya is a teenager with the ability to see and touch the dead. These tangible, violent Dead can not only reciprocate, but are suspiciously drawn to her. They attack anywhere, anytime in Annaya's vicinity, immediately inviting readers into her high stakes world. Chapters from her POV are interspersed with ones from a detective, plus a mysterious, frightening antagonist who is hungry for...more than the roadside diner's menu offers. The latter and Annaya are on a collision course throughout the book, so there's a skillful escalation of tension. The first leg of the plot reminded me of King's Firestarter, with a supernaturally gifted child on the run with a parent, but utilizing folk magic rather than scientific experimentation to attribute powers. I prefer this, personally.

This book had an interesting take on "the Sight" compared to other ghost stories, extending to all senses. Another tidbit I enjoyed was the use of music: specific songs are playing on the radio throughout the book, giving the plot a fever dream quality - this could almost be our world. The settings, and descriptions in general throughout the book are impeccable. I could see grimy wallpaper peeling off walls; smell the stale, oily odor of aged roadside dinners in rural Appalachia. The high school is decaying almost as badly as the Dead corpses who torment Annaya, and the crumbling, poorly maintained building is a fitting stage for inciting incidents of the plot.

The minor issues I had didn't detract much enjoyment from the book. Sometimes the narrative was a little unclear (I mistook the Collector for the Eater), and some staples of the plot, like the Dead being tangible for those with Sight, were puzzling: did the fluids and remains of vanquished Dead slowly rot unless those with the Sight cleaned them up, or did they kind of vanish video-game style? Buuuut questions like this also successfully leave it open for a sequel or expansion of the story's universe, and exposition would have stopped the book's rapid pace, which had me gripped as a reader. It kind of balanced out.

All in all, a great addition to the horror genre, and a must-read if you're into backwoods horror or podcasts like Old Gods of Appalachia.

TWs for: violence, murder, gore, death, dismemberment, mutilation of child characters on-page, violence towards child protagonist, walking corpses, consumption of human bodies, brief depictions of bullying.

[♥Milica♥]

GUESS WHO JUST WON A COPY....ME IT'S MEEEEE

[Malin Berg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book follows the teenager Annaya Roth while she’s quite literally fighting for her life. Wherever she turns she gets attacked by what she calls “The Dead”, but unbeknownst to her something much worse is about to enter her life…

I found some parts of this story a bit confusing, both in some of the characters backstories, as well as some of the choices they made in the book. Similarly, I did not particularly enjoy the ending, but I was intrigued enough to want to pick up a sequel if that were to be written. However, all in all this was a fairly entertaining, quick and fun read. I enjoyed the plot and there was never a dull moment. I also liked that despite this book having its fair share of gore and violence, it did not feel disgusting and nasty, like a lot of books that rely on gore do.

You should definitely give this book a try if you like a good horror story, especially zombie- like stories.

Big thanks to Netgalley, BDA Publishing, and the author A. W. Rene for allowing me to read an E-ARC of this book.

[Kyann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a gut-wrenching, heart splitting, and horror inducing read! From the very first page until the last my heart rate was chaotic, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Annaya is one tough cookie and the amount of horror and pain she endures throughout is palpable to say the least. Rene writes in such a way that makes you forget you are reading, you feel everything, every single bite, scratch, and emotion that the mc goes through. The way the dead are described it's like you can smell and taste the putrid, rotten stench and you see things in your minds eye that will never go away. Every fan of horror needs to read this book.

[Franccesca (franccescareads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks BDA Publishing for the ARC. Super grateful for the opportunity to read and review this book

So let's get into it:

So it gives a lot of "The Sixth Sense" vibe. From the start, we know there's something off or happening with our characters cause it's downright spooky. Like that, you must be on your guard and watch behind your shoulder. I never thought it'd have multiple POVs and once I started reading and seeing them, I would've liked a heads up but not a problem.

Annaya and Samantha at the start had this real mom & daughter relationship and then all of a sudden were so off with each other. Maybe because she's now a teenager? And even though we got more of Annaya's POV (which makes sense) I found that sometimes the way she talked or think wasn't how a teenager would ever do that but again, since it was very well written, I kept going.

Now here's the reason I couldn't give it more stars... We never get any explanation as to why they see the Dead, what was the first bargain (specifically), what are the different kinds of Dead and why are they called that or how did they get their names, etc etc etc. I mean there were so many times I was pissed at a good opportunity to explain something, give more understanding to a scene, and nothing.

Overall, it is well written. The pacing is also good and it sets the tone for the book. It has interesting characters (which I would've liked to have a backstory or more details to them but yeah). There are some plot twists that you don't see coming or expect so that keeps you on your toes. I don't know if the ending was meant that way, but it leaves the book open for a sequel...

3 stars

[Alliyah Beisell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highlights: “special” abilities, seeing what others cannot, self preservation, bargained soul, zombie type, creatures of the night
Favorite Character: Annaya
Honorable Mentions: Kenneth - I have a thing for dark romance — and part of me was secretly hoping it would be an enemies to lovers
Character that grew on me: The Collector
Favorite Scene: my favorite scene was when Annaya was getting some answers from Brandon about what exactly was going on.
Overall thoughts: I enjoyed the book, as I said above I love dark romance and even though part of me was hoping for it I’m glad I was wrong. It wouldn’t have fit with the story. I think this book leaves the door open for so many possibilities for the author. I would love to read more and dive more into who the collector is, Annayas bargain and what her “life” looks like now, as well as the before story of the eater.
Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Why: I gave this book a 4.5 out of 5 because I would have liked more background and details, the author focused on multiple POVs and story lines. It kinda feels like an introduction…
Predictions: maybe more of a hope… I’ll be watching for prequels, a second book, an off shoot… something to feed my hunger.

[Sam Verba · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was positively fantastic! I don’t know what was going on with me to think that anything happy was going to happen within these pages, my bad.

As much as I despised him, I truly did adore Kenneth’s character, just causing literal horror and destruction wherever he went without a single care in the world. Out of everyone, he was the real MVP.

It’s giving Bones and All vibes, but not as light hearted, which is saying a lot because Bones And All wasn’t entirely light hearted either.

Despised Brandon from start to finish. He got what was coming to him, for sure.

I’m loving the eerie energy that surrounds the specific way the author strings her particular word choices together. You know when you see the word “Maw” that you are in a horror novel. There’s almost no other reason to use that word unless it’s to describe something horrific! Some of the phrases and descriptions came off as tragically poetic which fit the overall energy of the story.

When it comes to horror, this one is positively top notch and I will be recommending it to all my horror loving friends!

[Jeanea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it weird to say I had fun reading a book that literally made me afraid to leave my house in broad daylight?! ATS reignited my love of horror and for that I am so grateful. All of the characters were lovable, even those you don’t expect to like (iykyk). Kenneth has my entire heart (and soul, too, if he wants it). I mourn the life that tender, hilarious Annaya could have had but I’m so excited to see what she does on her new path in the sequel. I also have a deep fondness for Appalachia and sympathy for misconstrued hillbilly culture so I appreciate that A.W. Rene could offer readers a new perspective on my beloved mountains and those who inhabit them. If you like paranormal horror or even if you don’t and wanna try something new, please check out this book!!!

[Britney ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never really read horror books before but this one was so good I might give the genre another try. I read it in one sitting.

Firstly I love how descriptive the book is. It was so easy to picture everything. The setting, the characters, even the Dead. Secondly it was so fast paced. There really was never a dull moment and it took so many twists that I really was not expecting. It didn't feel rushed, though. It was a great balance.

It was a really good book that I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Backwoods horror at its best! This was such a new setting of horror for me. I was sucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains immediately with the colorful descriptions. Annaya's gift of seeing the Dead leads to some unexpected and gruesome situations. This book still has me wondering who started it all and what else is creating chaos in the mountains!

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had everything that I was hoping for from the description, the concept worked with the folk horror genre. I was invested in what was going on and enjoyed how well the characters worked in this universe. I enjoyed how well AW Rene has a great writing style and glad it was so well written.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had an interesting take on "the Sight" compared to other ghost stories. The issues I had didn't detract much enjoyment from the book. Sometimes the author was a little unclear, All in all, a great addition to the horror genre, and a must-read if you're into backwoods horror.

[Jamie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really inventive and fun read. I rarely like a series, but the set up for the next book has me so excited!! I don't venture much into horror or gore, but this was a perfect read for someone who likes spooky and is just dipping their toes in the genre.

[SaucceyySarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spooky ooky

[Carter Elise Key · Rating 4 out of 5]

rtc

[Sharon D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book was definitely a breath of fresh air. I liked it quite a lot, and might have to reread it in future.

[jasper · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rated up. My Rating 4.5.

AW RENE GOES FULL ON BALLS TO THE WALL IN “A TAINTED SOUL” A VISCERAL AND GRAPHIC BACKWOODS HORROR NOVEL

Sixteen-year-old Annaya and her mother, Samantha, are on to yet another town. After all, what else is there to do when unexplainable things happen and are always centered around Annaya? Now, the two are settled in Asherville, a small Appalachian Mountain town. The place is nice enough, but curiously it doesn’t seem to matter as the Dead find Annaya wherever she goes. Tired of running, Samantha takes Annaya to the one place she never imagined she would go again.

You are all in for a treat with this one. AW Rene is one twisted individual for writing this book, and I love her for it—such a gory, macabre, and menacing horror novel.

Where do I even start? Annaya is a teenager with the “Sight” who can see the Dead. The problem is she is no Haley Joel Osment, and these Dead are not looking to solve any unfinished business. All they seem to want to do is tear her limb from limb. The highlight of this book for me is the descriptive nature of it. AW Rene spares no detail in describing the landscape, the emotion, and every single gory death.

Thanks to NetGalley, BDA Publishing, and AW Rene for the advanced copy. My review is honest and voluntary.

[KMC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annaya Roth has always been able to see the Dead. But with every birthday, the Dead become more violent. When she turns thirteen, they are joined by the Whispers, which tear everyone around her to shreds. After the Whispers tear apart two bullies at her new high school and Annaya is the main suspect for the murder, her mother takes both of them to see Annaya's estranged uncle. He has been dealing with the same curse his whole life, but will he actually be able to help? Or will going to him uncover truths that make things worse?

I would rate A Tainted Soul by AW Rene 5 out of 5 stars. It was one of the best indie horror books I have ever read. The perspective shifts added to the suspense of the novel, and Rene did an amazing job of weaving in believable and absolutely terrifying twists. Rene included multiple types of demons within the story as well that kept it very interesting.

If you are a lover of horror books that cross into the supernatural realm, this is the book for you. It will keep you on the edge of your seat, heart racing as you try to figure out what happens next. I would absolutely read this book again, and I will definitely be looking for more horror books from AW Rene.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5.

Annaya has a unique talent... she can see the dead. And the dead follow her everywhere. Her mother, Samantha, can also see them and will do anything to protect her daughter.

This book was so much deeper than just a zombie-esque horror novel. It felt post-apocalyptic with the dead following Annaya and her mother, forcing them to constantly be on the run. Meanwhile, everyone else can exist amongst them, none the wiser. It was eerie how these worlds co-existed, and when they clashed, it was catastrophic.

Annaya experiences so many raw emotions because this poor girl goes through A LOT. Of all the horror books I've read in recent years, no one can write a gut-wrenching scene that hits me to my core like AW Rene. I was completely invested in her character arc until the end.

There is also a slew of other interesting characters, dead and alive, and a rich world of the dead, full of different rules and lore. I loved the different verions of the dead that were harassing Annaya. I feel like this story only scratched the surface of this universe, and I was left wanting more.

Beautifully written but also gory and violent, AW Rene is becoming one of my favorite authors. Terrifying, violent, and full of raw emotions, it's everything I want in a horror story.

[Arthur Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and BDA Publishing for providing me with an eARC of A Tainted Soul in exchange for my honest review!

With its fast-paced, atmospheric, and grisly paranormal horror, A Tainted Soul gave me just what I was looking for. Right from the get-go, Rene's prose pulled me into the tale and got me enthralled by all these flawed humans and frightening supernatural entities. Annaya is definitely an intriguing and endearing lead to follow, and Kenneth is a particularly compelling character, too. I appreciate how gnarly the gore can get as the plot takes its twists and turns. A part of me does wonder if the ending should have gone in a different direction, but I'm generally happy with what we got here.

Overall, I'm officially rating A Tainted Soul by A.W. Rene four out of five stars. I'll certainly be looking forward to more of her writing.

[ExcaliburBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tainted soul by A. W. Rene
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars
Thankyou NetGalley and BDA Publishing for my arc for review ☺️.

I really enjoyed this book! I go into my horrors blind so I didn’t know much about it going in and I think that is the best way to read this book.
When I first started reading it I thought it was just going to be a zombie type of book but I was so wrong.
I thought Kenneth’s character was so interesting and was so unexpected. It has a folk horror feel to it and a family curse aspect where only they can see the dead.
I like how the ending it kind of open to our interpretation as the reader and the collector character was intriguing.
The only reason it didn’t get a 5⭐️ from me was because I didn’t really like reading from the sheriff’s perspective.

[Callie Towne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the perfect read for those who love spooky stories. This follows the recipe of :"The Sixth Sense" in a way. It is absolutely interesting!
However, I did find some parts to be a tad confusing or almost as if some things were left out altogether. I don't feel it was ever really revealed as to why our characters are able to see the dead. That could be a mistake on my part but other than that, this is genuinely a wonderful read!
This would also be a great one for the fast-approaching Halloween season. It gives off the perfect creep factor!

[Sara (sarasbooksandcoffee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annaya is a teenager who has a gift of seeing the Dead which the Dead are suspiciously drawn to her and attack anywhere anytime while in her vicinity. This is a good face paced horror story with many twists. This horror book was different then what I have read in the past but it was good, keep my interest and the author did a good job on being descriptive with the book making it easy to picture everything.

Thank you to netgalley, BDA publishing and the author AW Rene for this ARC.

[K.P. Roberson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Tainted Soul has 'The Sixth Sense' vibes with the darkness of 'A Stir of Echoes' turned up to an 11. Plus, it's a quick read, in part because you can't put it down.

Annaya's story felt like watching a train wreck in slow motion. You see the rail is ruined up ahead, you know the train can't slow down fast enough to keep it from running off track, but damned if you can't look away, even when the bodies are burning.

[Lyndsey Gollogly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was certainly an interesting read and a little chaotic. It’s gruesome in parts and I really loved that the author wasn’t afraid to be graphic. A few time I felt down right sorry for this girl at 16 her life goes from one disaster to another. The dead really like her to know they are around.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[John Bitsko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book..i zipped through it..I did not want to put it down..definitely recommended!