Review: Before I Wake
Jun 26
Before I Wake by Rachel Vincent was released in the U.S. today, June 26, 2012, in paperback and eBook formats. It is currently available to order online in both formats at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Published by Harlequin TEEN, the print edition is 352 pages.
Before I Wake is the sixth book in author Rachel Vincent’s Soul Screamers series. The seventh and final book in the series, With All My Soul is slated for release on April 1, 2013.
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WARNING: Goodreads description has SPOILERS for If I Die, the fifth book in the series.
I died on a Thursday-killed by a monster intent on stealing my soul. The good news? He didn’t get it. The bad news? Turns out not even death will get you out of high school…
Covering up her own murder was one thing, but faking life is much harder than Kaylee Cavanaugh expected. After weeks spent “recovering,” she’s back in school, fighting to stay visible to the human world, struggling to fit in with her friends and planning time alone with her new reaper boyfriend. But to earn her keep in the human world, Kaylee must reclaim stolen souls, and when her first assignment brings her face-to-face with an old foe, she knows the game has changed. Her immortal status won’t keep her safe. And this time Kaylee isn’t just gambling with her own life….
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***REVIEW has spoilers for If I Die but NOT Before I Wake***
All things considered, Kaylee Cavanaugh was pretty lucky. Sure, she died. But she got a second chance. And although she technically wasn’t alive, at least she wasn’t a reaper. She didn’t have to take souls, just reclaim them.
Immortality, however, wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. Sure, she could make herself invisible when she wanted to hang out with her boyfriend. No, she didn’t have to sleep. No, she didn’t have to eat unless she wanted to. No, she wouldn’t age. And no, she didn’t actually have to go to school. That was her choice.
But being invisible was easier than being corporeal – not ideal when trying to pretend to be normal at school. Not being able to sleep left long periods of time with little to do and no one to do it with. Not aging meant that nearly everyone she cared about would eventually be gone.
And being immortal didn’t mean being invincible.
So when someone from Kaylee’s past looks to make a deal, she must decide whether the risk of working with them is greater than the danger of facing down her enemies alone. Not a decision she ever thought she’d have to make. Not a decision she ever wanted to make. And not someone whose side she ever thought she’d have to choose. Especially when she knows they can’t be trusted.
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The sixth installment in the Soul Screamers series, Before I Wake is every bit as tension-filled, emotionally charged, intense, gripping and entertaining as its predecessor. With new dangers, the return of old enemies and even greater obstacles to overcome, this book is nerve-wracking, suspenseful, heartbreakingly sweet and sad and absolutely unputdownable.
As with each of the previous books in the series, Before I Wake takes things to the next level – more excitement, more heat, deadlier threats and more complex challenges for the characters to face. Especially for the story’s heroine, Kaylee Cavanaugh.
While she struggles to cope with her new existence, or lack thereof, she must find a way to balance school, her new job, her new boyfriend, her ex-boyfriend, her Dad’s overprotectiveness, and a mara who still manages to get under her skin.
Engaging from start to finish, Before I Wake delves into just what “life” is like for Kaylee. It touches on the very real issues of isolation, loneliness and despair that come with not quite being part of the world around her. And it shows that immortality does not always guarantee a happy ending.
But the story also shows a positive change in the way Kaylee interacts with the people in her life. She’s developed a new strength never before seen in the series, she’s become more confident in who she is and her importance in the lives of the people around her and she’s become more forgiving and understanding of those who have let her down in the past.
We also get to see a more witty, fun and flirtatious Kaylee. Even with the enemies that plague her existence. Even with the return of someone she hoped she’d never have to see again. And even with an ex who is not about to make things easy on her just because she died.
Add to this a new mystery to solve, a threat that no one ever saw coming and one not everyone may survive, and you have a story that will captivate, that will surprise and that will leave the door open for the possibility of anything – good or bad – to happen.
Before I Wake is an absolute must read that not only doesn’t suffer a lag, but challenges itself to be better than what came before. It’s a nail-biter. It’s a heartbreaker and a heart-stopper. It’s a fast-paced, intense, incredibly addictive and wildly entertaining addition to the series. It’s shocking. It breaks the rules. It leaves readers anxious for the final installment.
And it’s all connected by author Rachel Vincent’s heart-felt, tearful and beautiful passages and the humorous, fun and sarcastic dialogue readers have come to expect.
Reviewer gives this book….
Like In-N-Out Burger‘s infamous secret menu this one deserves my off-the-menu 6 star rating.
On a personal note:
I don’t think I could have been happier with this series than I was when I reached the end of If I Die. It was the perfect end to the perfect series. And yet it wasn’t. There were two books still to come.
While If I Die was an absolutely tormenting roller coaster ride, the ending had me crying tears of joy. There were so many possibilities ahead for my two favorite characters. So many potential happily ever afters. If the series stopped right there I would have been sad but at the same time happy. Satisfied. Hopeful.
Then along came Before I Wake. And I was a mix of excited and nervous for its arrival. After that happy ending, I was scared about what new torture author Rachel Vincent would put me through. What she’d put her characters through. I was hopeful that what started to develop between Tod and Kaylee would grow and not end up the same twisty nightmarish mess that was Nash and Kaylee’s relationship.
I raced through the book. The first time I read it. And because once wasn’t quite enough I read it again. I was so desperate to learn what happened next. I was anxious to find out if this follow up to the best book in the series would match its awesomeness or if it would fall just a bit shy of it, if not more.
Well, where If I Die had a number of amazing moments, they were countless in Before I Wake. I noted passage after passage of moments that made me grin, moments that brought tears to my eyes, moments that took my breath away, moments that stopped my heart from beating.
I cheered. I laughed. I was giddy – yes giddy – with excitement. I was hopeful. I was happy. And not just for the briefest of moments.
But I also sobbed. I was crushed. Devastated. Heartbroken. Torn apart. And shocked. I really didn’t think I would be shocked this late in a series, knowing just how far the author will go with her characters and story. But I was.
I couldn’t believe just how many shocks and surprises there were in this sixth book in the Soul Screamers series. While some of them were good, happy surprises, more of them were of the devastating “I can’t believe that just happened” variety of surprise.
I was so shocked with the first read, I didn’t cry like I did during each of my many reads of If I Die. But on the second read I was in tears for practically the entire book. Yes, knowing what comes next doesn’t always lessen the pain.
There is so much I want to talk about in this book, but I do not like to spoil what happens for those who haven’t yet read it. And while I may have revealed things from previous books in the series – like who lived to be in this book – I refuse to go into any real details of all the awesome that is Before I Wake.
Because there was a lot of awesome. Like all those sarcastic exchanges between those bean sidhes, reapers and one troublesome mara. And all those conversations that absolutely yanked on my heartstrings. Oh, and all those moments that consisted of a glance, a touch, a kiss, where words weren’t required.
Nope, I won’t talk about those. And I won’t reveal just what happened to make me cry, to make me so anxious to see how this series ends, so desperate to find out just what the heck that ending means for… well… everyone who actually makes it into the final book in the series.
And, sorry, I won’t talk about just what may or may not have happened between Kaylee and Tod.
What I will say, though, is that this book was outstanding. It did not fall shy of the awesome that was If I Die. It was awesome in its own right. In its own way. It took me to a different place. It made me think different things about the characters. And it kept me just as riveted as I was with each and every book in the series.
I loved it for its progression. I loved it for its differences. I loved that it took my emotions on one heck of an insane ride. I loved it for its ability to keep me glued to the story, not once but twice. And I loved that it altered my opinions of not one, but almost all of the characters in this series.
But most of all I loved how real and honest and frightening Kaylee’s emotions were about what she’s become. About what her existence means. About what it feels like to be there and not there.
I am already dying to find out where this story leads and where it ends. I am nervous as to just how heartbreaking the final book in the series will be. I’m hopeful that it will be every bit as incredible as its predecessor. And I’m terrified of having to say goodbye.
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Favorite passage:
I had over forty favorite passages in Before I Wake. I had the hardest time choosing, especially since I love all things sarcastic. And there was this one Sabine quote….
But there was also this stunningly gorgeous, dark and amazing quote from Avari that starts with, “It’s a crescendo of death…” but it was just a little too revealing. So, I ended up choosing one of the most romantic passages I have ever read:
His gaze burned into mine, like he could see past my eyes into parts of me no one had ever seen, and I knew I was seeing the same in him. No one else had ever seen him so vulnerable before, like if I pushed him away, he might crumble into pieces that could never be put together again. Yet there was strength, too. He was strong beneath that fragile need, and I knew that I could never fall with him next to me. If I tripped, he would catch me. If I lost my balance, he would find it.
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This review is based on an early finished copy of the book I received from the author and contains my honest opinions about the book.
I have to 100% agree with your review. I managed to get a copy of BIW from the library yesterday (boy was I shocked when I saw it on the shelf), and I, of course, devoured it last night. I loved “If I Die.” It, combined with “Reaper” turned the series from good books to keepers, but, I think, BIW might be better. I also loved IID so much that I expected to be disappointed, and I was most definitely not.
“If I Die” was a brave book, and it turned the series into something above the usual run of YA paranormals. BIW is tightly plotted, and ironically considering it’s the sloth book, it’s the fastest moving installment to date.
Now I just want to get home, so I can read it again, and add to my growing list of favorite quotes.
On a random note, this is the book that made me love Sabine.
You got there early and got it, that’s so awesome! And yeah, it was so easy to devour immediately. It was so not disappointing and If I Die was definitely a game-changer. I still can’t tell if it was faster-paced than IID because I raced through both, but I think you are correct.
And re: Sabine, me too! I started to warm up to her in IID and thought except for her fixation on Nash she’d be okay. Now I think she rocks. Hope you enjoy the re-read as much (or more) than the first!
Chick!!!! You are KILLING me every time you talk about one of the Soul Screamers books!!!! Needs to read, needs to read, needs to reads!! *she chants over and over in her head*
Haha! Sorry! (Not really!)
You have GOT to read these books. They’re twisty-turny, heartbreaking and Ahhh-MAZING! 
Well. No one ever needs to post another review of this book because you absolutely said it all. You put into words all of the emotions – the excitement, the fear, the doubt, the wonder, all of it.
My review goes up tomorrow, but it is *nothing* compared to this one.
I am reading this right now! It downloaded to my nook after midnight last nigh, and I attempted to start it, but was way too tired. I am loving it already! (Not that I doubted that) What a fantastic review!! I have loved each of these books more and more, so I am so excited to be reading this one now.
Oh, I can’t wait to see what you think about it Amy! I’ll be sure to check out your review/thoughts when/if you post them. It has all the intensity of IID but it goes to so many different places. And thanks! Each book has progressed, gotten a bit better than the last as I think all series should. The author learns from what works and what doesn’t, develops things that are of interest, and lets the characters and story do the rest. I never see a reason for a series to get tired and stale. Make it amazing or walk away if there’s nothing left.
I’m just so excited to see how the last one ties everything up. I’m a lot scared too. And all I can say to you is good luck with the read! It’s a killer!
I absolutely loved this review. I read this about 2 weeks ago because I got an early copy from BEA and I think I experienced every emotion that you described. If I die was a fabulous book but this one may have topped it. I’m on my second read so I’ll have to try and decide which was better. They both made me laugh, cry and everything in between. By the way, I loved your chosen passage. I may have gone back and read that chapter some extra times.
I really like how you said that this book changed your opinions of many of the characters. I agree. 100 percent. For instance, in if I die, I started to like Sabine but she was awesome in BIW and I found myself feeling for her and I wanted her to get her own happy ending. Nash too I have started to like again. At the very least I understand him. It’s so clear that Nash is his own worst critic and enemy. He’s got an awful self esteem and he hates himself more than he thinks others hate him. The only thing I can’t figure out is how he can always see the good in everyone except tod. He sees nothing but tod’s flaws and that annoys me. Because underneath the sarcasm and death tod is an amazing and complex character. I’m a bit biased cause I’ve always loved tod though. I could go on, but I must get back to reading.
I feel the same about Sabine and Nash. Though I wonder if he’s so critical of Tod because he knew Tod liked Kaylee and because he felt guilty that Tod died and he lived. Even though he doesn’t know the truth about what Tod did, he still feels guilty for being the reason Tod was in the car in the first place. It’s easier to be angry with someone to feel guilty for their death. At least that’s my thinking.
Plus, they’re brothers.
And I’m biased too. I love Tod. He’s so awesome!
It’s funny. That’s my thinking as well with respect to Nash’s criticism of tod. I’ve always liked tod but I seem to love him more and more with each book. I love the complexity of his character but how loyal and selfless he can be, when it comes to people he truly cares about. I like you cried at the end of if I die each time I read it and I cried twice during BIW. Books rarely make me cry. Which other characters do you love or hate? I love Emma. She is the archetypal best friend. At times, I feel worse for her than for anyone else in the books. Everyone else has some supernatural trait that could potentially help them. But Em is human. And damn does she have nerves of steel.
In the early books I didn’t even notice Tod. But I was just a reader not a blogger then. And I was a complete fool to have overlooked the many amazing qualities that Tod had like selflessness, loyalty (although not always to K) and that great sarcastic sense of humor.
I’ve read IID four or five times now, maybe six and it gets me every time. I didn’t cry the first time I read BIW because I was in shock. But the second time I cried early and often for that one scene and then happy tears with those lines that absolutely cause me to dissolve. And at the end.
I tear up fairly often, but not cry. Especially not in paranormal. More so in contemps because they’re more real-to-life. But these books make me cry.
I love Emma. I kept waiting for her to betray Kaylee but she has been a total friend to her. Except when she was possessed but that doesn’t count. I love Harmony. she’s amazing. I liked Sophie a little during NtS, but I didn’t particularly like her in this book. And until this book I liked to hate Avari, now I just hate him.
Em is incredible. And tough. And I know she’d have punched Sabine if Kaylee wanted her to. Poor Emma did not have any luck with her boyfriends in this series. (Not saying anything about BIW of course.)
I’ve always liked Tod. Even though he hasn’t been loyal to Kay from the very start, I recognized his loyalty and fiercely protective nature from the beginning because he was that way towards Nash Harmony and Addie at first. He started getting that way with Kay in Keep and I like that he wasn’t immediately like that with her. He didn’t know her. I think in the long run she appreciated that about him. She never had doubts about Tod’s feelings or motives with respect to their relationship like she did with Nash. As she points out in IID he got to know her first.
And interestingly, while I was mad about how Nash treated her in keep I wasn’t upset when Tod left out info in save. Again he took time before he loved Kay and he was still hung up on Addie. But it’s more proof that he would do anything for people he cares for.
As I said, Nash is growing on me again. However, is it evil that I really think he needs to know how and why Tod became a reaper? Maybe then he’d stop seeing tod as a border line villain. Though, as you said they are brothers. Perhaps in time, Nash will stop being such a jerk.
I too love harmony. She’s so level headed and just a good kind person.
I could never find anything redeeming about Sophie. Eve in NTS. She’s a spoiled attention seeking brat and aside from Avary, shes the only character for whom I have no sympathy or empathy.
Then there’s Avary. I hate him. But he’s a fantastic villain. Rachel always writes good villains.
I also love Aleck. People forget about him but he is strong. He’s a good person who genuinely tries to do the right thing despite his past.
And Em. She has nerves of steel. If any human could survive the nether world it’s her.
It was soooo good! All the Tod and Kaylee scenes were amazing and the descriptions were beautiful. You can feel just how truly and deeply these two feel for each other and different it is from what Kaylee and Nash had. I was really swooning and very happy with their progress. Sabine was hilarious. I felt a little bad for her in this one but what Nash said is true. He just can’t turn emotions on and off so I am glad he is taking things slow. Everything was magnified. I can’t believe what Avari was up to! He just becomes stronger and stronger but so does Kaylee. She will bring the heat next book and hopefully take him out permanently.
I´m so excited for this book, I can´t wait to have a copy in my hands. At first I was angry for the ending in If I die, yeah, I was really angry, but I have read some quotes of this one, and I can´t help it… I´m no more angry, I need it!!!
Sabine just became in one of my favorites ever, and I need to know what the hell in going to happen with Nash.
Great review! your thoughts are as awesome as always!
Oh why were you angry? That ending was amazing? And so glad you’re not angry anymore.
Sabine is awesome. And you have definitely GOT to read this one. 
Thank you so much!
I’ve heard so much about this series. Adding it to my TBR list on Goodreads right now . . .