Life as we know it follows a clear course: a person is born, goes through life, and dies. We are not given the choice to deviate from this routine.
But what if we were?
Soul Chaser carries readers to a world where sixteen-year-old Raven Bishop must struggle with this choice time and time again, not for her sake, but for the sake of others whose lives she can save by repeatedly relinquishing her own. The decision to die, and die over and over again, however, is not an easy one for anyone to make, let alone a girl who barely lived her own life—but the fate of Raven’s soul depends on it. Will she make the right choice?
Please feel free to friend me! I LOVE having friends on GoodReads. My name is Nicholette and I am the Young Adult Author of Soul Chaser. Soul Chaser is my debut novella and is available on Amazon in digital and print format. I've always had a passion for reading and writing and have done both for many years. I tend to write emotionally challenging stories and I'm not afraid of controversial topics but I do believe in karma, compassion, and confidence. I'd never want to offend anyone but I believe there are all kinds of stories that need to be told. I live in Tennessee with my husband and children and very much enjoy all the south has to offer. I hope you all check out Soul Chaser and I look forward to connecting with you!
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the Lovers of Paranormal Group.
5/5 :)
This book is so incredible! Life and death phenomenon never cease to amaze me. Nicholette Campbell is such a brilliant author. Emotions and paranormal mixed together and produced this one of a kind story. The main character is young but every individual can indulge with her. Life, death, family and purpose was circling in this book. Can't wait to witness the next book for this series. (Hopefully)
Any decent human would wish to spare another a gruesome death. There are a special group of beings who have already faced their death as a child and are now tasked with sparing children, who have barely had time to live, the pain and agony of a death that has come too soon. Prior to death, a soul chaser enters the body of a human as their spirit is escorted to an eternal realm of peace. The earthly pain and suffering is absorbed by the soul chaser, a kinder way to die for the human. This is the fate of a chosen soul chaser, to give what little comfort to the dying that they can. Sixteen-year-old Raven has already died. She is a soul chaser and her own soul depends on her completely each assignment given. What Raven lacks is the ability to disassociate with her assignments, and rules are meant to be kept, will disobedience cost her her very soul or is her compassion a hidden gift that will hold her strong as death repeats itself over and over?
Not sure how Nicholette Campbell found this niche she has created in the YA paranormal world, but Soul Chaser is powerful reading, emotionally taut and a beautiful tale to describe what happens when someone dies. Ms. Campbell allows Raven to feel each death, to question why and to feel for each life she has touched, as we are taken on a unique journey into the heart of Raven, as she details the “background” work she has done for each “victim.” Stellar writing, a unique concept and wonderfully developed characters make for powerful reading in a genre already filled with “make believe and what ifs.” In the end, one finds a beautiful story that may come in handy when asked about death and does it hurt.
Not looking to dig that deeply into a tale? Looking for a fresh take on paranormal fantasy following a less than perfect heroine as she repeats her destiny day after day? Nicholette Campbell has a hit series in the making here and a wonderful heroine in Raven.
I received this copy from Nicholette Campbell in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Raven's Journey - Book 1 Publication Date: October 2, 2014 Publisher: Nicholette Campbell ISBN: 0692284249 ISBN-13: 9780692284247 Genre: YA paranormal Print Length: 53 pages Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
I received this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP or Lovers of Paranormal)
The Critical Points
Writing: Nicholette writes a well plotted novella as her first published work. I found no real sentence structure issues, misspellings or anything worthy of critique. Some of the page breaks between dialog blocked together being the only tiny imperfection.
Story: Overall, the story has a great concept. Taking the place of a child who would die a violent or untimely death is a noble gesture. The basis of where this story was taking me wasn't bad, but it felt like there was a lot of sacrifice going on. And when Lucas essentially was selfish in taken Raven before her time, it lost me a little. Being analytical, I have to wonder why these rules of no feelings are in place and the short novella didn't really address those, just grandfathered the basis in. I think with additional stories, it would develop and give credence to this initial one.
Characters: I enjoyed seeing Raven's character and how the emotions she was unable to hide were coming through. There was a moment in the car with Elijah where I was actually sad and had that brief moment of heartache giving props to Nicholette's writing. The Lucas character wasn't very defined. Likewise, I wasn't seeing so much rebellious effort in Raven to warrant her "punishment" in the end. Then being okay with a sacrificial lamb in the end, I just wasn't fully convinced as much as I was just nodding and going along with it.
Appearance: The cover is awesome. I always say it, covers draw people in to read the description and the description sends it home. Ominous and paranormal, leaving a little intrigue in the background. Well orchestrated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Normally, I quickly and easily get bored with a book and it doesn't necessarily have to be exceptional but, unique with a rare theme with unpredictable plot twists throughout is what piques my interest and keeps my attention. This book didn't disappoint. I was asked by the author to give a review. This book was definitely an exceptional read. The main character a sixteen year old girl named Raven whom was brutally murdered herself, whom at the beginning in the prologue is introduced as "Summer" by the mother of the person who's body Raven happens to be inhabiting at the time, is forced to live in or rather possess the bodies of those children who've passed away in some tragic event. She lives their lives as though she were them, feeling their pain, knowing that each life she lives is temporary. Which is the truth of life, "life is temporary." It made me think of a cat with nine lives (with a twist) but, instead this is a teenage girl. Despite the not so ordinary job she has to endure, Raven is still a typical teenager and like a teenager she breaks some of the rules she was supposed to abide by as a soul chaser:
"never cherish the family you’re with, never feel compassion for the soul you are taking, never recall memories of pleasant experiences, and never reveal knowledge of the child’s impending death." I liked the deeply emotional, often intense effects of this book, also it shows the true meaning of sacrifice and the harsh consequences that entails. The character Raven Bishop puts me in the mind of a martyr, a modern day "Joan of Arc," The author reminds me of one of my favorite authors "young female Edgar Allan Poe." Please read, review and rate this book you won't regret it.
(I received this book free from the Author through Goodreads group [All About YA } in exchange for an honest review)
4.5 Stars
This is a quick read, but worth it. A short story at 57 pages, the depth of this short is heart griping. There was more insight and sorrow in those 57 pages then most of the books of have ever read.
I understood both sides to this twisted wonder. How hard it would be to not break the rules, and knowing that the rules must be followed, because in the end, your destiny has nothing to do with you, but to those you are saving.
The only thing that I will say, I felt that Raven's voice at times was flat. It was more so in the beginning, as it the story moved forward, her voice picked up, almost, panic.
I'm thoroughly looking forward to the next volume. Nicholette Campbell has showed us a dark look into the passing of a human's soul. Of how the more innocent of us needs to be protected form the horror that is death.
I highly recommend this short. It will leave you thinking, and have you wondering about what will happen, when it is time.
Soul Chaser was a heartfelt journey of a girl who takes the place of children who die. It may be a little out there for younger readers but Nicholette's descriptions were beautiful--you felt the sadness she felt as she passed between bodies.
I have to start by saying that Soul Chaser Volume #1 was the kind of book I haven’t had the opportunity to read before. The concept was very different and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m a huge comic book fan so, I know about souls possessing other people, even after their death, and living on as them. But Nicholette Campbell took that idea and gave it her own unique spin.
The story follows Raven Bishop who becomes a soul chaser. Let me tell you right now that Raven is one my favorite names of all time so, I immediately liked the 16 year old teenager from the start. As a soul chaser, from what I got after reading this dark story, it is her job to prevent innocent children from experiencing their own deaths. The story makes you think about what it means to live as well as die. Will you decide to keep on dying if it means you can save a child? There are also laws that a soul chaser must never break but being a story about a teenager you can be sure Raven messes up. The story is Raven’s journey (notice how I keep on mentioning the name because it’s so awesome!) as a person and growing up to understand what it really means to sacrifice oneself for others. Nicholette has already mentioned in her ‘About the Author’ section that “I spent countless hours worrying about Raven and how she would react when her destiny was put on the line. I felt compassion for her and decided, without a doubt, that hers was a story I was meant to tell.” You can see from the way she wrote the book that those words really came from her heart.
Are there any complaints I have about this story? Well, yes, it could’ve easily been a lot longer than the current page-count. I was able to go through it quite quickly and it left me wanting more. If there’s another volume coming out then I can’t wait to start reading it. I don’t know if Nicolette has planned it or not but there can be a number of soul chaser volumes, with perhaps, different kind of characters, personality wise, as leads in each one.
If you enjoy a story that puts a new spin on things when it comes to life after death then ‘Soul Chaser: Raven’s Journey’ is for you. Give it a read. Yes, it has a dark side to it but that’s also what makes it an enjoyable reading experience. I highly recommend reading this short story. The page count isn’t long which means you can easily go through it quite fast, however, it will leave a lasting impression on you, something that a lot of other books with triple the page count are unable to do.
Raven was a Soul Chaser. her job was to die for children. Instead of suffering their horrific death and risk becoming a lost spirit, these children were chosen, where their souls would drift to heaven while Raven took possession of their bodies, living their last moments and facing their death for them. if a soul departed before the child experience death, the child would be reunited with heavens, signaling its complete life. experiencing death itself was what caused the child to became a lost spirit.
I received a free e-book from the author in exchange for a review. the book was a fast read. it felt like an introduction, a beginning of a possible series, giving me a preview of what Raven’s life was about. the idea definitely seemed promising, which have me looking forward to the next installment. while Raven was just performing what was expected of her, I found myself wanting to know more about her all the time. the Soul Chaser system was less interesting for me in comparison, where she was chosen to be a Soul Chaser and will be choosing her successor when the time comes. often I found myself skipping lines just to get to the juicy part of Summer’s routine.
Raven is a Soul Chaser who takes us on a narrated journey of her travels and activities. She is a sixteen-year-old girl who does not live inside her body. There are certain laws that Raven must follow: never cherish the family you’re with, never feel compassion for the soul you are taking, never recall memories of pleasant experiences, and never reveal knowledge of the child’s impending death.
While briefly inhabiting the bodies of children who are about to leave this world, Raven learns what it feels like - for the first time - to have loving parents. “I’d repaid the affections I felt from them by fulfilling my destiny and taking away their children.”
Raven has broken some of those laws and must face the consequences.
While on the surface, Raven’s job might seem gruesome, levels of compassion and kindness are revealed.
Soul Chaser is different and unusual…when I reached the end, I wished it was longer. It kept me interested and turning pages. My only complaint is my own limited understanding of the concept of Purgatory.
Wow, not many books captivate me so much I have to read the whole book so fast.
I never heard of anything like that before, for me it was a totally new idea.
Raven is a soul chaser, which means she has to die again and again for other children and adolescents so they dont have to endure their death and can go on to heaven.....
When I imagined how that must feel I felt an overwhelming compassion for Raven, cos if we are honest who wants to die again and again and experience various forms of death? I really could feel with her, she had compassion for the children she died for........but that was against the law......... I really got angry because I thought it is not fair she had to do this even though she wasnt the only one.
I slightly changed that opinion at the end........
And I really hope there will be more stories with this idea cos I find it fascinating. I am usually not the biggest fan to short stories but this one was a good one and actually satisfied me.
***I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the Goodreads group Lovers of Paranormal, or LOP.***
Soul Chaser packs a lot of punch in its 50 pages. The role of a soul chaser was completely new to me. Raven is a 16 year old struggling with being this task. As a soul chaser, Raven's spirit steps into the bodies of children just before they die. This saves them from experiencing the pain, sadness and sometimes torture of their deaths and ensures their souls will move on. The most recent deaths were heartbreaking, and Raven finds herself questioning why these things have to happen to them and her. It becomes increasingly difficult for Raven to follow the strict rules of a soul chaser, but the consequences of not doing so will affect more than just her. I was engrossed with this story and found myself wanting more.
Soul Chaser is a touching story of sixteen year old Raven Bishop, who must die other people’s death and keep on doing so endlessly. The book has an emotional and sad plot and it deals with the sensitive scenarios where little boys and girls, have to die. Book is written from Raven’s perspective and although it is sad, it is beautiful at the same time and you can’t help sympathising the characters and feel about the despondent situations they find themselves in. Although I found some parts of it repetitive, overall the topic is original and interesting and writing is above par. Read this book if you like reading serious topics.
Thought-provoking and moving. This beautifully-written short novel follows the agonizing adventures of the Soul Chaser, Raven, whose mission it is to save terminal children from the suffering and pain of an awful death. Sounds grim, right? But actually, this lovely astute tale delves into what makes us uniquely human; compassion and the ability to love. Raven has a chance to save innocent children from suffering and in doing so; find her own path to the light. I found myself pondering this novelette long after completion and have to say that it was one of the few I wished had been much longer in length. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of the ePub from the Goodreads group Lovers of Paranormal (LoP) in exchange for an honest review.
Soul Chaser is a dark short story about a sixteen year old. The reader will follow Raven’s journey as a soul chaser in this well written original read. Raven experienced life as a child before passing. Her emotions are intense as she experiences death over and over again. The raw sadness she expresses is overwhelming. The author shows the reader that Raven has empathy through her actions for those that have passed and those that continue to live. Is this Raven’s destiny? Looking forward to Volume #2 in this series.
I received a copy of Soul Chaser in exchange for my honest review. (Lovers of paranormal or LOP) An interesting take on death. I haven't read a book like this before. I'm glad I was able to read this book. Intriguing and heart breaking. The twists kept me reading to the end. Raven is a 16 year old who experiences death over and over again. Her spiritual guide puts her soul into children just before they die so they don't have to feel the sadness and pain. The last couple of deaths she experience are horrific. She doesn't know if she can take the sorrow and pain anymore. She then faces the consequences for breaking the laws.
this was a book that was great to learn something from. I loved that it was short and sweet but it taught you a very valuable lesson. Raven learned a very great path to follow that people should really think about. I have never read a book that had this idea. The plot was a morbid but best way to put it. I applaud the author who this short story. I would recommend it for anybody. It has a great lesson. The selflessness that people should feel in this world is writing this book. Bravo. Happy reading!
This is the most unique story I have read in quite a while! It's unlike anything I have ever read and I loved it and want more of this! I love the story line and lessons being taught in this book! Honestly this book is very imaginative and the creative mind of Nichollete Campbell is one of kind! What a great change from all the normal writings about vamps, weres, fae ppl! If those are what you want this isn't for you but if you want something you have never read before and a completely different kind of story this is for you!!
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the Lovers of Paranormal group. Raven inhabits the bodies of children before they die, thus sparing them the pain of death and ensuring their souls move on. What a great concept! I never read anything like Soul Chaser, and that is something amazing in itself. The story is unique, thoughtful, dark, and interesting. Campbell’s writing flows wonderfully and instills a real sense of compassion for her characters. Recommended for anyone who enjoys the slightly grittier side of paranormal.
I was given a Kindle gift of this novella by the author for a review. I usually do not read novellas, but this one may have changed my mind on that. I hope the author has plans to expand this into a full novel, as I thought it was an interesting concept and original idea. It was well written and had a main character, Raven, that leaves me wanting to find out more about her. I recommend this highly and hope to see more by this author soon.
Soul Chaser was a great story about spirits that take over a child’s body shortly before the child dies. This happens so the child doesn’t experience the tragedy of their own death and so they can move on. And it really makes you feel for Raven as she goes through the motions of dying for all these kids.
Campbell paints a vivid image of the spirits as they go from one child to the next. You aren’t sitting there trying to figure out if you’re the child from before if you’ve moved on, it’s apparent who you are rather immediately. And it’s painful to read about these kids dying and how horrible some of their deaths truly are. It makes your heartbreak as you continue on seeing these kids die so young, and knowing that in reality this happens. But in our reality the kids feel the pain, they go through the turmoil. In Campbell’s world the kids don’t experience their deaths. They get to travel to the afterlife and aren’t stuck wondering the world. It’s nice to think that this is really how it happens and that kids don’t feel the pain of their own death.
Of course, Raven doesn’t exactly follow the rules of being a soul chaser and she has to deal with her consequences of doing so. Raven is a lovable spirit and you just want her to succeed and are hopeful that she will succeed in her divine purpose to alleviate the pain from a child dying. Facing her consequences make her see that she is destined for this and nothing else and that makes it easier for her to go on and follow the rules that she should be following. It makes one realize that we all have a purpose and sometimes we have to face the consequences of our decisions.
The story contains short chapters which makes it a quick and amazing read. I look forward to reading more from Campbell and hope there is more to the Soul Chaser series, because I feel left in the dark. I want to see Raven fulfill her destiny and mentor the next before moving on to her afterlife in Heaven above.
Soul Chaser was a great story about spirits that take over a child’s body shortly before the child dies. This happens so the child doesn’t experience the tragedy of their own death and so they can move on. And it really makes you feel for Raven as she goes through the motions of dying for all these kids. Campbell paints a vivid image of the spirits as they go from one child to the next. You aren’t sitting there trying to figure out if you’re the child from before if you’ve moved on, it’s apparent who you are rather immediately. And it’s painful to read about these kids dying and how horrible some of their deaths truly are. It makes your heartbreak as you continue on seeing these kids die so young, and knowing that in reality this happens. But in our reality the kids feel the pain, they go through the turmoil. In Campbell’s world the kids don’t experience their deaths. They get to travel to the afterlife and aren’t stuck wondering the world. It’s nice to think that this is really how it happens and that kids don’t feel the pain of their own death. Of course, Raven doesn’t exactly follow the rules of being a soul chaser and she has to deal with her consequences of doing so. Raven is a lovable spirit and you just want her to succeed and are hopeful that she will succeed in her divine purpose to alleviate the pain from a child dying. Facing her consequences make her see that she is destined for this and nothing else and that makes it easier for her to go on and follow the rules that she should be following. It makes one realize that we all have a purpose and sometimes we have to face the consequences of our decisions. The story contains short chapters which makes it a quick and amazing read. I look forward to reading more from Campbell and hope there is more to the Soul Chaser series, because I feel left in the dark. I want to see Raven fulfill her destiny and mentor the next before moving on to her afterlife in Heaven above.
I was provided this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
My ninth grade English teacher always told the class that it doesn't matter how long the essay is, as long as its complete. This is the case with Soul Chaser Vol. 1, by Nicholette Campbell. While reading this book, I was genuinely interested in the prospect of soul chasing, to which the author goes into minor details. I'm trying to find ways to critique this book, and yet I can find none. The author completes her story with minimal page count.
Throughout the book, we experience the custom of soul chasing. I found myself relating to Raven's compassion towards the souls she saves, and her lack of obedience when her moral sense is in question. I read through this book with an omniscient perspective despite the first person view. I believe the subject of the book directly influenced the detachment that I felt; the author does a nice job using a sense of space and time as well. I was disappointed in the ending; the author did not close her book well, although it does leave room for a sequel. Basically, this book has the feel of a chapter of a much larger story, and I am interested in reading the rest.
P.S. Some questions I might have, are: Is there a society of Soul Chasers? Who do they represent in terms of heaven?
This book introduces you to 16-year-old Raven. She has a very difficult and noble task: If a child is about to die, she replaces its soul, keeping the kid's soul from experiencing death by dying herself.
With Soul Chaser: Raven's Journey, Nicholette Campbell has created an extraordinary story; the reader witnesses Raven's experiences up close. The story comprises some of the deaths Raven has to take over, as well as some closer insights in Raven's feelings. Raven and the events she was in kept me glued to my Kindle. I had an exciting time reading Soul Chaser: Raven's Journey - it is a very compelling read. I was drawn into the story right away, an invisible friend. This story covers a topic, society tends to shy away from: The death of a child (or in this case, the death of several children). This is for you if you like to read about a teenager with a scary task, a fictional story written to offer comfort to those who suffered the loss of a child.
I deeply admire Nicholette Campbell's reason for writing Soul Chaser: Raven's Journey.
I was gifted Soul Chaser from the author for an honest review. I am very passionate about the paranormal and this book had me in the first few pages. Dealing with death and reincarnation can be a touchy subject but author Nicholette Campbell nailed it in this one. The death scenes are written with such sensitivity. A sixteen year old dies and has opportunities to inhabit the bodies of young children sparing them from painful deaths. I found myself crying with each touching soul transfer. I loved Raven’s character. She portrayed such strength eveytime she had to perform this unbelievable task. She cared so much for the children she was saving. Feelings are captured so well as you move with the character from one life to another. I am now hooked and will be reading Campbell’s future novels. Raven’s story is one that will linger with you for quite a while. This is the perfect read for teen girls, yet anyone will enjoy this read.
16 year old Raven is a soul chaser. Her role is to spare young children the pain of death. She swaps places with their soul shortly before death and endures physical death in their place. This also ensures that their soul travels to heaven rather than being lost in limbo.
Nicholette Campbell does a great job conveying the emotional nature of Raven's journey. The short lives of the children for whom Raven died were told with great feeling. The events of their deaths were heart-wrenching and very well-done.
The major plot twist at the end of story was, for me, unexpected. My lone criticism of the story comes at the end as Raven begins to understand her purpose as a soul chaser. Though I understood the explanation, it wasn't clear to me how this particular experience brought her to this understanding.
Overall, an excellent short story that I am glad I had the pleasure to read.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the Lovers of Paranormal Group.
When I signed up for this book, I didn't realize it touches on a subject I normally avoid -- child death. However despite the painful topic, you are pulled right into the story and can not stop reading until all 57 pages are done! A main focus of the book is rules -- should they followed or are the meant to be broken? Very thought provoking.
Not only is the book well-written grammatically, but the characters are well developed. Despite the novella length, the reader is left feeling like they read a full story.
This is a very unusual book, a bit on the dark side. It’s written in the first person, in the voice of sixteen year old Raven Bishop, a soul chaser. This soul chaser is not violent, but rather peacefully accepting. The story moves along at a good pace, so there was little time to dwell on the dead and dying which went on, as the author made certain of this by introducing yet another unforgettable character into the mix. For lover of the dark side, this story will make a good read, as you follow sixteen year old Raven along on her journey of death and acceptance.
Soul Chaser was amazing it really pulls you in and you can't help but to emphasise with Raven. I couldn't imagine having to walk in her foot steps what I love the most was how descriptive the scenery was and how the characters developed I didn't feel that there were any slow parts everything tied in very well even though this story is sad I still feel that it was a great start to the rest of the series.
I received this book free from the author for my honest review
I only wish that it was longer! It was easy enough to follow and meant that when using originally put it down, I could pick it back up again weeks later and reignite all those feelings i had felt the first time round! **** For those who wish to read it, please be aware it contains scenes regarding domestic/childhood abuse and cancer, so if you have any trouble reading these topics, I would advise you to either avoid this book or read with caution. **** I was sent this as a read-to-review book from the author, and this does not influence my opinions on this book.
Raven Bishop is on a soul searching journey, at only sixteen she has a few problems and a lot of growing up to do, unfortunately an untimely death may prevent her being able to do that. Something is given to Raven however, a new shot at life, but she has to give something in return and will have to overcome her own fears and shortcomings along the way. Good book with a unique story I think fans of paranormal and heart touching stories will really like.