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Did someone say resurrection?

Oh yes, it was the annoying voice in my head. We'll trade, he said. I bring him back and he'll help me figure out how I was stabbed and almost died. But I've only got a week or he will be lost forever, and then I'll never find the truth.

The part he failed to mention was that someone doesn't want him to come back at all, and they'll stop at nothing to see me fail. Freaking fantastic.

How do I fight an unknown enemy, bring a boy back to life, and pretend to be normal? I mean, I can't save anyone if I'm locked up for the rest of my life.

Piggybacker is the first in Mikki Noble’s spell-binding Vessel of Lost Souls trilogy, and promises a thrilling adventure with powerful enemies, broken relationships, captivating magic, and two souls both caught up in a plot beyond any they could ever imagine.

355 pages

First published January 28, 2019

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About the author

Mikki Noble

15 books190 followers
Mikki, the eccentric Canadian, has been writing in some form or another for nearly a quarter of a century; since writing her very first poem at age eleven. She lives in Ontario, Canada, with her cats, guinea pig and rabbit. She found her niche in teen fiction because it’s captivating, open-minded, fast-paced, and every sense is heightened. And that’s also the reason why it’s her favorite genre to pick up at a bookstore.

Mikki has a diploma in both, Business Administration and Creative Writing. She loves creating things, animals, books and movies, trying to make people smile, and talking to her social media friends.

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5 stars
27 (72%)
4 stars
6 (16%)
3 stars
4 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Ginny Stone.
Author 34 books12 followers
October 8, 2019
Whilst this is not a genre I usually read, I found myself frantically turning pages to see what was going to happen next... and I certainly did not expect the ending.

The characters were likeable and believable, and whilst there are some wildly far-fetched bits, they fit in with the storyline.

A good read. Thank you, Mikki.
Profile Image for Giselle.
990 reviews6,364 followers
Want to read
March 14, 2019
ARCs can be requested here: [closed - other review opportunities found here]
Profile Image for Catherine.
37 reviews6 followers
November 3, 2019
Loved this book! I fell in love with Marley and cheered for her as she fought through every obstacle in her way, some real world, some magical. The story is well-written and well-paced with twists and turns I didn’t see coming. I’m usually cliffhanger averse but this one was the perfect balance of completion and open door to more to come with these characters. I’d definite read more from this author!
114 reviews5 followers
August 2, 2019
I REALLY liked this book. The characters were great, the plot was unique, and it left me wanting to read the second one. I’m all “WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?!” Very creative. 😁
1 review1 follower
May 13, 2019
I loved this book it was excellent and was written really well. When I read most books I can generally use clues from the text to figure out what will happen. When I read this book I had no idea what going to happen, I loved this about the text. The characters were introduced correctly and I was hooked after reading the first page. I loved the beginning especially when Marley met Dr. Crystal and the way Dr. Crystal was introduced as perfect and organized.
Profile Image for C.M. Chafin.
Author 1 book6 followers
September 8, 2020
The final twist is only one you can hope for. I am normally really good at predicting things, and that one got me. Very good read and I look forward to reading more of the series!
Profile Image for Caroline Noe.
Author 6 books64 followers
February 16, 2019
Marley is a teen who struggles with everyone believing she tried to kill herself, even though she can't remember doing it. Then she hears the voice of a dead boy in her head pleading for help. This is an unusual YA premise with layered characters, strong female friendships and a poignant central romance. It combines a touch of magic, the supernatural and the pain of loss, all in one extraordinary story. Recommended.
Profile Image for K.J. Simmill.
Author 6 books132 followers
May 4, 2019
Marley had no idea what had happened. It was the first anniversary of her father's death, and life was starting to feel almost normal again. Then she was accused of trying to kill herself. She had no memories of that day, but she knew with certainty this could not be true. She would never try to take her own life. The wounds, the evidence, all seemed to point to the contrary. To add insult to injury, when she was placed in the 'mental hospital' to recover she started to go insane. She kept hearing a voice. A boy called Gavin begged for her help. In seven days his life would end, permanently. He was already dead, but she could help bring him back. His death had has been special, executed by a Limbonian. If she could find the five items needed their special bond would allow him to return. He is a piggybacker, able to live off her soul for seven days, but if this time elapses he has no hope of return. The closer Marley gets the more questions she has, what will happen if she fails to meet the deadline, what happened on that day, and why does someone seem intent to stop her succeeding.

Piggybacker is book one in Mikki Noble's Vessel of Lost Souls series, and it is a series I look forward to following. Marley is an excellent character, with great detail and effort placed into adding depth to her personality, life, and character. She is strong and vulnerable at the same time. Her journey is a difficult one, made harder by the complicated and strained relationships following her attempt in her life. The supporting cast of characters, from the mysterious Circe to Marley's closest friend Kimmy, are all nicely developed with their own personalities and backstories. Piggybacker is written in a steady, engaging pace in a first-person narrative. I loved the ideas, and execution of links and magic. Vivid characters, a ticking clock, magic, mystery, and uncertainty come together to create this riveting and compelling tale, and I was thrilled to see it was only the first book in what promises to be a gripping series.
Profile Image for Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon.
2,089 reviews148 followers
March 13, 2019
5 Cranky Stars


This is a very strange story concept and a little creepy. I gave it 5 stars though because I enjoyed it. Marley McCartney is just a typical high school senior until she is found with a knife in her stomach on her kitchen floor. After treatment at the hospital, she is admitted to a juvenile mental health facility. Everyone thinks she tried to commit suicide. Marley has no idea what happened that day but knows she didn’t stab herself.


There is nothing Marley wants more than to go home but her Mother is hesitant. Marley convinces her therapist that she is well enough to go home and won’t harm herself again. He agrees to discuss it with her Mother. As she stands in line for lunch, she hears a scream and a male voice yelling “Help Me.” She looks around but no one is there. Worse of all, her friend didn’t hear a thing.


When she goes to her room, she sees a young man standing there. He tells her he needs her help. Seems he died a few days ago and if she helps him, he can come back to life. He isn’t ready to permanently die yet. Once she goes home, she keeps hearing and seeing him but is afraid to tell anyone. Finally, she agrees to help him. This leads to quite the adventure for her, her best friend from school and the girl she met in the health center. I thought the title was weird and I wouldn’t like it, but I couldn’t put it down.
Profile Image for Jennifer Wilson.
503 reviews4 followers
August 21, 2019
Piggyback vessel of lost souls

This was an interesting story. After I read what it was about, I thought I’d give it a shot.
It’s the story of a teenage girl named Marley. She’s had some kind of accident and you first meet her in an institution. They think she tried to kill herself, but she insists that she didn’t. But the problem is, she cant remember what happened to cause her wounds that almost killed her.
While at the institution, she begins hearing the voice of a boy, Gavin. He’s asking her to help him. But she thinks it’s the place making her crazy. Then she sees him standing in her room. She agrees, reluctantly, to help him.

I really enjoyed this story. You find yourself drawn into the story, rooting for the characters. The author was really able to capture the urgency and danger that the characters faced during the story. There were points in this book that had me on the edge of my seat. This is the first book in a series, that follow the characters. But I’m glad that this story ended on the it did. It gives you enough that you have to read the next book. Which unfortunately for me, isn’t released yet. I definitely would recommend picking up this book.
32 reviews
April 5, 2019
A well written novel. The pace and the tension are steadily picking up as you read the story, to the point where you no longer can put it down until you finish the book. It’s not creepy or scary. But it is emotional, believable, goosebumps-raising, heart-pounding, tears-in-your-eyes kind of story.

Even though it is written for younger (YA) audience, I am sure many adults will enjoy it, too. The twists in this complex plot will keep you guessing to the very end. Highly recommend to anyone who loves paranormal or magical realism novels.
Profile Image for Noelle Brighton.
Author 1 book16 followers
April 29, 2019
What an exciting adventure! Noble takes us on a rollercoaster ride filled with emotion, magic, and strong ties of love and devotion. The plot is unique and she does a fantastic job of weaving a great story adventure while giving us genuine characters to cheer for and villains to hate! This is a fun read and I look forward to her next novel!
Profile Image for Michelle Miller.
Author 5 books11 followers
June 5, 2019
I picked up Piggybacker from a recommendation and I was not disappointed! The plot was unique, at least to me and the characters were well written. The first chapter hooked me immediately and I adored the main character Marley. The plot kept me guessing throughout.

Looking forward to reading book two.
Profile Image for Barb Wild.
165 reviews7 followers
July 16, 2019
I enjoyed this book, I won it and read it. It is just not my genre but I was interested in the storyline of the young girl who thought she heard voices and was sent away to troubled teen camp. She continued to hear the voice of a 17 year old boy and followed through on some of his suggestions to her. Good book, fast read, and will share it with my online book club.
2 reviews
July 16, 2019
I don't normally read a book more than once but I've actually read this one three times. I can't wait for the next one and I hear there are supposed to be three. This is a teen fiction novel which I never actually read so I was doubly surprised that I enjoyed this one. Would I pick it up off the shelf at the book store? Probably not, but it was very well written and the characters made me laugh.
3 reviews
July 15, 2019
I read this book because I started following Mikki on Facebook and I think she's a great writer and I was not disappointed at all! I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline. I don't usually read teen fiction but I'm sure glad that I read this book and I look forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Dawn Hosmer.
Author 7 books207 followers
November 12, 2019
Piggybacker is a great novel for those who enjoy a story with a unique premise, loads of action, quirky characters, a touch of romance, and lot of twists & turns that leave you guessing until the end. While this book is outside of my normal genre to read, I enjoyed going on the adventure with Marley.
March 1, 2019
I never finish books this fast. I loved it so much The dialogue is intriguing and the twists and turns were exciting. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened to these characters!
Profile Image for Emmett J..
Author 1 book14 followers
October 13, 2019
A wonderful book.

I got caught up in the story right from the get go. The girl, Marley, goes through grief piled on to get back to a normal life. It would certainly be nice to find ones soul mate and know that for a fact. This book stands on its own, but leaves open issues to carry us into the next book. Ms. Noble is a fine craftsman weaving this tale. I'm looking forward to the next.
Profile Image for Shannon Hiner.
Author 14 books29 followers
June 2, 2019
Piggybacker is Mikki Noble's debut into the YA Paranormal game, and as such it's a promising beginning. The writing is easy to read, character\s motivations easy to follow, and the fast pace of the plot will keep you turning the pages. There's plenty of twists and turns and never a dull moment. I was surprised by the way mythology was tied into the story, and am very curious to see how that is expanded upon in future installments.

While the novel ties up on a satisfying conclusion, there are plenty of open plot threads that will have you looking forward to the sequel. Overall, it's an enjoyable read and I would definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Elisha Bugg.
Author 4 books47 followers
September 25, 2019
Now I haven't read a lot of YA paranormal books (the odd one or two) but I have to say I fell in love with this book.
Not only is the cover art striking and beautifully designed, catching your attention and letting you know straight away what sort of thing to expect, the story is wonderful and unique.
It started off strong with an interesting opener and some lovely descriptions, and did not disappoint or lose momentum as the story progressed.
Fantastic character interactions and personalities.
I liked how we were showed how the main characters learned what was happening, and their powers rather than a quick explaination or a large info dump. All the information was passed along clearly, and really well, learning along with the characters.
The story it's self was quite dark and troubling at times. But also quite amusing, and often sad too. A real rollercoaster of emotion that had me gasping or close to tears, perching on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next.
All in all, an incredible read that I highly recommend and can't wait to get my hands on book two to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Nicole Dunton.
1,186 reviews25 followers
September 19, 2019
Most people are able to compare books to other books. Sometimes movies and television shows as well. I'm never really good at that. It's not that I refuse to. I just don't really connect things that well. It's very rare that I do come up with comparisons. This is one of the few that I can. This book is like Girl Interrupted meets Medium. I can't say any more than that without giving it away. I love love loved this book! I couldn't get enough! I read over a hundred pages in one sitting when I started it!

I really adored all of the characters! Kimmie, Marley, Gavin, etc. They all are very unique and quirky in their own way. I really didn't care for the mother that much. But I think that's because I had a different relationship with my mother. I couldn't understand why she didn't even try to connect with her daughter or understand. But yeah. This book is very funny. The characters are all very witty.

It's rare that I instantly get pulled into a book. When I do, I get PULLED in. This is one of those books for me. I was sucked right in. I read the first 50 pages before I knew it. I fully recommend this book. I couldn't get enough of it and I can't wait to read the second book!
Profile Image for Nick Braker.
Author 6 books15 followers
September 25, 2019
I'm going to avoid spoilers (sort of). So, feel free to read my critique without fear of anything more than names. Kimmie, Marley, and Gavin to name a few. Simply put, the book is a great read. It's pacing is good though there is a just a tad bit of slowness near the middle. The plot is presented well and is brought out with great timing. I liked the ending but will admit to not being surprised (only because I read a lot).


Subtle Spoiler: Don't read if you don't want to know. Most readers will likely be pleased though thankful this is a series as there is more to come. I think this is a spoiler because it tells the reader things sort of work out in the end.
Profile Image for Jessica.
74 reviews3 followers
October 22, 2019
You ever read a book, and can't wait for the next book!?!?! Welp that was me reading Piggybacker, the plot was my favorite! I'm not sure what I was expecting due to the title of the book but I sure got a surprise. Marley is trying to put her life back together after struggling to understand why people think she tried to kill herself. Marley knows she would never to something like this, especially after what happened to her father. But mom doesn't believe her because the evidence looks like Marley is suicidal. We see Marley navigating the world and trying to fall back into her old routine but she's hearing voices from a dead boy. Check out my full review at Ramblings of a Book Nerd
Profile Image for Sarah.
Author 45 books1,693 followers
August 5, 2019
Exciting and fun read!

I really enjoyed this one. Marley was a great character. I loved the way Noble brought her characters to life and showcased the struggle as a teen to relate to adults.

There was a lot of mystery and intrigue in this book. I really adored Marley and Kimmy's friendship and I was totally Team Gavin 😂 that boy had me swooning and I'm no longer a teenager!

Definitely a great addition to YA paranormal romance and I'm looking forward to seeing where things go from here ❤️
Profile Image for Barbara Strickland.
Author 6 books38 followers
February 24, 2019
Clever and creative

I would have given a higher rating but the pace dropped halfway through the story and it dragged to the end and lost some of the pace needed with such a complex plot. It is the first book in a the series for a new author and the premise is very interesting so look forward to seeing what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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