The Twice-Sold Soul

McKenna Ellerbeck #1

by Katie Hallahan

I locked away my magic and ran from home for a good reason. So why am I ready to undo everything when my demon ex finally tracks me down? 

You can’t outrun your demons—McKenna Ellerbeck knows this all too well. She’s been running from literal demons for a decade, one that will stop at nothing to take McKenna’s magic for their own and one that shattered her heart by grasping for dark power. After a horrible run-in with hellhounds on the streets of Paris, McKenna is ready to hide again when she’s confronted by her ex, the Archdemon of Desire Remiel Blake. Remi, the sexiest of gender-shifting demons, calls in an old debt that McKenna owes her, though unlike other deals the terms of fulfillment are all she needs to do is return to her hometown of Arcadia Commons, Massachusetts, for seven days.

Disgruntled and disguised at her own insistence, McKenna returns home to the magical community, intent on simply staying in her hotel room watching pay-per-view. But with her high school reunion conveniently happening in the same hotel she’s staying at—the one owned by her ex-boyfriend Bastien Lemaire—and her brother mysteriously picking fights with the town’s most prominent witch family, she finds she can’t stay away for long and decides it’s finally time to face her past and the witches, werewolves, demons, and friends she left behind.

If you miss Supernatural, True Blood, or Buffy, you'll love this sexy and magical contemporary fantasy from a marvelous new voice in fiction, Katie Hallahan!

Genres: Fantasy, Queer, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Audiobook, Romantasy, LGBT

434 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 12, 2024

About the author

Katie Hallahan is a fantasy author who loves tabletop RPGs, vampire TV shows, corgis, dabbling in nail art, and pumpkin spice everything. She has designed award-winning narrative adventure games at Phoenix Online Studios, an indie game studio she co-founded. She lives with her husband and son in Boston, Massachusetts where, shockingly, she actually uses her blinker when making turns.

Her debut novel, The Twice-Sold Soul, an LGBTQ contemporary fantasy, is available now from Orbit.

Reviews

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the hunt for my personal perfect genre, I requested this book since it seemed pretty close to it. It did take me a while to start it, and once I did, I was a little hesitant about whether or not this was actually the first book in the series. It is, and in fact, the first book ever by this author I think, so I kept reading. Once I got over the feeling that I was missing a book, this book became so very good. I was captivated and couldn’t stop reading. I’m really hoping this will be a series because I want to see what comes next for all these interesting characters. Give it a try; it’s well worth it. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Christine Boermeester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie Hallahan's "The Twice-Sold Soul" delivers a thrilling and unique take on urban fantasy. At its heart is McKenna Ellerbeck, a feisty, well-developed protagonist who isn't waiting for anyone to save her. Her journey is as inspiring as it is messy, with hard-earned victories and plenty of mistakes along the way.

The supporting cast was just as compelling. From the intriguing flashbacks of ten years ago, I learned a lot about their characters that shows so much potential to deepen their stories in future books. I'm especially fascinated by Remi, a shape-shifting, gender-fluid demon trying to reconcile their nature with a desire to be "good." Remi tries to make decisions by thinking about What Would McKenna Do but is inevitably influenced by her demonic nature. Their push-pull relationship with McKenna is full of tension and complexity though I'm not convinced they're destined to be end game. McKenna seems to have her own walls to break down and there's always something holding her back from full trust in Remi.

The story itself is full of unexpected twists. While the clues are there, the reveals still caught me by surprise, making it a fun read. The lore of the town and its magic is also beautifully developed, adding a rich layer to the narrative.

What really sets "The Twice-Sold Soul" apart is how grounded it feels. McKenna isn't some "chosen one" - her skills and triumphs come from grit and determination to protect her friends and family, making her so relatable and admirable, even if I did want to yell at her sometimes to ask for help.

This book is a fantastic start to what I hope will be a long series. I can't wait to see what's next for McKenna and her friends.

I highly recommend this book!

[Billie's Not So Secret Diary · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Twice-Sold Soul
by Katie Hallahan
McKenna Ellerbeck #1
Urban Fantasy
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: Nov. 12, 2024
Orbit Books
Ages: 16+


For the last ten years McKenna Ellerbeck has been hiding from her friends, family, everything from her past from her hometown of Arcadia Commons, but the past had once again found her in the shape of two hellhounds, followed by her ex, Remiel Blake, the Archdemon of Desire who is calling in an old debt McKenna made with her. Fulfilling it involves McKenna going back to her hometown for seven days.

With no other choice but to agree, McKenna finds herself in the magical community where witches, werewolves, and demons live. The place she left to protect her friends and family from an evil that forced her into doing something dreadful.

But after finding out that the evil she thought she was running from was still in town, McKenna struggles to tell her friends what really happened that night ten years ago. But telling them might be the only way to save her mother and brother, along with the rest of the town.


This book started off slow and I almost DNFed it. I did push through, but even if I had given up, I wouldn't have missed much. I say this because I felt left out of the story. It started off ten years after the event, and how it was talked about made me stop reading because I thought I had missed book one. I didn't, this is book one.

Having that feeling for the first quarter of the story made me feel left out and with each mention of the past, without explanation, kept pushing me farther away. Even after what happened in the past was explained, around the halfway point, I still didn't feel as if I was part of the story and was only watching at a very far distance.

I was interested in the magic system, the families, and how all these magical beings came to be living in this town, but there wasn't much backstory or history. What was given felt more brushed over, so I once again felt like an outsider.

As for this being tagged as a romance, I disagree. Sure it was there, thankfully not graphic and left behind the bedroom door, but I would not consider this a romance. And along those lines, I do not agree that this was anything similar to Supernatural or True Blood because it lacked the depth and substance those two shows have: but Buffy, yeah, it was that 'I'm trying to be an adult but I'm still acting like a teenager vibe.'

It does have some violence, a bit of blood, but not graphic, or described sexual acts, so I would say this is suitable for readers sixteen and older.

If the past events had been revealed in the beginning and more history of this world talked about, this story could have earned one more star and me wanting to read the next in the series.

2 Stars

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Katie Hallahan, and the publisher for allowing me access to the e-Arc.

4.5 stars

I was a little confused at the beginning of the book. But once things clicked it was an addictive read. There is just so much going on. I really enjoyed this second chance romance with a demon ex. I thought it was cool that we got scenes from McKenna’s, FMC past. It helped the reader to understand not only the FMC but the relationship between the side characters. I honestly can’t believe this is I think a debut novel. This book is perfect for the fall-winter seasons.

I highly recommend it!

✨Second Chance
✨Bisexual rep MC
✨Pansexual Genderfluid Ex
✨Witches, Demons, Werewolves, and Fae
✨Urban Fantasy

[Arnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Twice-Sold Soul by Katie Hallahan is a supernatural romance story following McKenna, a disgraced witch on the run from her past, and Remiel, her Archdemon ex-girlfriend and the person who helped her run away. However, when hellhounds attack McKenna in the streets of Paris 10 years after she ran away from home, Remiel comes to her rescue in order to call in a debt, McKenna must accompany her home to Arcadia Falls, MA during the week of their high school reunion. Upon their return, magic, emotions, and dark secrets abound and it is up to McKenna to get to the bottom of it.

I honestly didn't expect to enjoy this story as much as I did as it very pleasantly surprised me. This book is definitely written for millennials who are still learning how to be adults and heal from their family histories and past experiences, realizing that this is a messy process and one you cannot do alone, no matter how hard you try. I really liked how this book handled complex mental health issues and the feeling you have of those closest to you having betrayed you in a way that completely breaks your trust, as these felt very real.

Trigger warnings for mentions of abuse, bullying, self-harm, and mind control.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a supernatural romance story exploring complex themes and topics in a way that never feels overly heavy-handed.

[Emily Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Twice-Sold Soul is the perfect combination of cozy fantasy meets paranormal with a slight hint of a potential romance. McKenna has spent the past decade on the run after a horrible run-in with an archdemon. After running into hellhounds in Paris, McKenna is getting ready to run again when her ex-girlfriend (the archdemon of desire) Remiel (Remi) comes to catch in a decade old deal. Having helped McKenna disappear a decade ago, Remi is now requiring McKenna to go back to her hometown and spend a week there. McKenna plans to lay low and watch tv all week in her hometown but it seems like fate has other plans. Her highschool reunion is taking place in the hotel she is staying, the hotel her ex-boyfriend owns. On top of that, it appears as though her brother is in trouble. The question becomes, how much is McKenna willing to risk to help those whom she loves, even though they likely hate her guts.

This was such a fun book. I loved McKenna, Remi, and all the other characters. The plot was outstanding and kept you on your toes and made it impossible to put the book down. There was several twists that I did not even expect. The sign of a good book is character development and truly unexpected plot twists, which this book has both. The town of Arcadia Commons has its flaws, but it is what you would expect a supernatural town to consist of. There is a multitude of different creatures, and there is a power hierarchy amongst them all. Those who do not have magic are judged and viewed as lesser. There is such applicable themes throughout this book, which is something that I appreciated. For example, one of the themes centers around forgiveness, which I think is such an important thing for readers to witness firsthand. Cancel culture is prominant in today's society, and Hallahan does a fabulous job at teaching the readers about the importance of forgiveness, without shoving it in their faces. I think this is a book that all fantasy readers will love. I will advice readers that if you are expecting this big romance plot, it really does not exist in this book. There is a strong potential for a romance in the next book, which I cannot wait for, but do not pick this book up soly for romance. I think you would still love the book, but you might be slightly disappointed. Personally, I cannot wait for book two.

Thank you to Katie Hallahan, Orbit, and NetGalley for giving me an eARC of The Twice-Sold Soul in exchange for my honest review.

[Jasmine Kuliasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! Firstly thank you for the advanced copy of this ebook, it was such a fun read for spooky season. It follows McKenna Ellerbeck as the story begs the question: what happens to a YA heroine after she grows up? What starts as a cozy supernatural high school reunion mystery quickly turns into a high stakes murder mystery, and by the second half of the book I couldn’t put it down! Full of fun characters with relatable quotes, I’m already excited for the next one in the series.

[Jalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

★ ★ ★ ★.75

The Twice Sold Soul follows Mckenna Ellerbeck coming to terms with her past & the demons that lurk within them. The book gives us scenes from Mckenna’s past that help us understand not only her as a character but also the side characters as well. I loved reading through Mckenna’s mind & the growth that she has shown from the beginning to the end of the book.

One of the highlights of this book was the relationships. Mckenna & Remi own my heart. I love them so much, their dynamic is so fun to read & you can tell they care about each other so much. The platonic relationships in this book were just as good as the romantic one, especially the relationship ship between main characters.

I really loved the magic system in this story. I loved how there are different kinds of powers & houses that the witches belong to instead of them having similar powers. It makes them even more fun to read about. I do wish that we had a list with the houses, their powers, and who is in each house. I found myself getting confused a couple of times trying to remember who had what powers.

I guessed a lot that happened in this book but i didn’t see that as a bad thing, i still loved this book. It had me screaming, squealing, laughing & crying out loud. This book is marketed as a steamy romance but there is only some hot kissing & a fade to black sexual scene. It being closed door didn’t take away my enjoyment of this book at all.

Thank you Orbit for a copy of the arc!

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time delving into fantasy (aside from the super mainstream books) and I enjoyed it! It was a fun romp and I really enjoyed some of the coming of age/high school friend themes.

[Julie - One Book More · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Twice-Sold Soul is a supernatural adventure full of high-stakes magic, suspense, and tangled relationships. The story follows McKenna Ellerbeck, a witch who’s been on the run, keeping her magic locked away to hide from her past and her demon ex, Remiel Blake. When Remi reappears, demanding that McKenna return to her hometown, McKenna's carefully hidden world begins to unravel, and she’s forced to face everything she left behind: old friends, bitter family feuds, and the haunting events that made her leave in the first place.

McKenna is such a vivid character—tough yet vulnerable, fiercely independent but deeply wounded by her past. Watching her reluctantly reconnect with Arcadia Commons and the people (and creatures) she once knew was captivating. And Remi? Their complicated history gives the book a strong emotional undercurrent. I also loved the side characters and the richly built world of witches, demons, and werewolves, each with their own unique power structures and histories that add depth to the story and world-building.

It took me a little bit to get into the story, but I'm glad I pushed through because it became a pretty immersive read. With a mix of magic, mystery, and rich representation, the story brings together a cast of unique characters who make the world feel as enchanting as it is dangerous. I'm eager to see what happens next in McKenna’s world—there’s so much more to explore, and I have a feeling her journey is just beginning!

[Venneh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best way I can describe this is if you were dropped into a CW show already in progress. You've got a girl going to a small town that she's tried to stay away from for about half a decade, the shape shifting demon who brings her back into a power struggle, and the aftermath of a night that started years ago unfurling narratively. Solid enough read, I'll definitely pay attention to more in the series.

[Jacqui Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can one say about this book? Got this e-arc yesterday and couldn't put it down. This is a perfect spooky season read. This book was the slow burn I needed. It gave me Buffy meets Charmed vibes. Justice for Remi. All she wanted to do is to protect McKenna.

[Jakki (BizzyBookNook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure exactly what to expect when i started this one but this was a solid read. I love Mckenna's character and think that she had some great development throughout the story. It was nice to see her heal from the inside out, even slowly, and to see her friends welcome her back and help her sort through it. I actually really liked Remi and thought that they were well written. It was nice to see the "mean girl" from high school become a good person. I liked that even though the main catalyst for this story is ten years in the past everything is explained so that there isn't any disconnect in the present story line. I loved the magic system in this book. I had some familiar elements while also feeling really fresh. The drama concernign the founding families of the town is a common trope but I really liked the way that Hallahan wrote it and made it work for the story. I will openly admit that I pride myself for having some sort of inkling of what is going to happen in stories. I did not see this ending twisting the way that it did and it was great! I'm really excited to see what happens in book 2.

[Sophy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story, it has magic and lots of secrets. When the shit went down my jaw dropped because I never guessed what would happen. If you like stories dealing with demons, small towns have rich magic backgrounds. This story very much focuses on family ties and a close community of people willing to do anything for each other and protect their own. Will differently be reading the rest of this series.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun urban fantasy. Not steamy as the tagline says, and not a romance. Queer with a diverse cast

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satisfies the part of me that loves a supernatural soap opera. And I appreciate that this is a post-high school/post-college setting. Just because the studies end, it doesn't mean the melodrama does. I read this early in the evening. It's too exciting to read right before bed. Gotta find out what happens next!

[Eve Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m re-reading it now but it’s so fun to see a book I helped workshop for YEARS become a real published book! I just wish Cass were around to see it (check her acknowledgments for who Cass is). If you love fantasy and are hungry for more books with queer characters, check this out. It’s super fun.

[Emmaline Savidge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book felt like it was the start of an adult sequel series to a paranormal YA book I would have read as a kid, and I loved it. It’s definitely pulpy and melodramatic but also we’re grappling with how going through that as a kid makes you a messy adult. There are moments in this book where it felt like I had picked up a second book in a series but that was very intentional and I was fine with it. If you aren’t down for that then I don’t think you’ll like this book very much. Finally I love Remi; a magical genderfluid demon girlfriend, sign me up!

CW: schizophrenia and hallucinations

[DH]

1.) this read like a trashy self-pubbed YA and 2.) how tf are you gonna put “steamy” on the cover and then the sex is closed door. HELLO ?????

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

TL;DR: A very strong start that lost me a little at the end. I’ll probably continue the series as it shows a lot of promise.
Source: NetGalley, thank you so much to the publisher!

Plot: McKeena, who has been on the run for ten years, is hoodwinked by an ex to return home… and things get messier.
Characters: I really liked the cast here, they were diverse and interesting. I did see the twist with one of them but I liked all of them.
Setting: A small, very magical town. It felt fairly well done. I’d like a little more in the next installments.
Romance/Magic: The romance was… questionable. There were a TON of red flags that I don’t think I can get past in this book. The magic was a loose one, not fully explained but perhaps that’s too come.

Thoughts:

Let me tell you what, the beginning of this book had me stuck in. I was in it for the long haul, I liked where and what we were doing and I loved how this felt like an old school urban fantasy book. Unfortunately it lost it’s grip on me about half way through, and I’m a little bummed about it!

McKenna returns home after running for 10 years and finds out her hometown is not in a good way. Her arrival doesn’t help and she ends up trying to save her old friends and family and keeping her existence there on the down low. This has the trope that I don’t know will work for everyone, which is a cast that already know each other and have relationships. We get some flashbacks (which I wasn’t crazy about) but otherwise we see these relationships that McKenna left being reforged slowly. The story and plot was super interesting, I liked the ideas there. I think what lost me was the whiplash of the interpersonal, especially between our main character and her love interest.

Remi started out as a very interesting character, an archdemon living effectively as a human with a body. But we find out more about her and her actions and I couldn’t ignore the red flags there. Since her actions really change and move the plot at times I think that’s where I slipped out the grip of it. She’s an archdemon who is ‘learning’ to be human but seems to be fairly well suited to it except for the few times we can use her mess ups as conflict. Not to mention those conflicts, those mess ups, they’re kind of big to me. Like BIG red flags big. It was hard to look past in the context.

All that said this is a series I’ll be watching and probably continuing. I loved the feel of it, it reminded me of the old urban fantasy books I’d pick up randomly. It also still had an excellent tune up with modern sensibilities too. There was so much here I liked but it didn’t quite stick that landing. If you love urban fantasy and you’re looking for something different but somewhat nostalgic this is a good pickup. There is a lot of potential here and I’m interested to see the author reach that.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the moment I started reading this book. Instantly one of my favorites. I binged it on Audible in a day and since then I have been on the edge of my seat waiting for book 2 of the series. The heroine McKenna is a truly three dimensional character so full of humor, self-awareness, and compassion that I could not help but root for her from the beginning. Her internal monologue is hilarious and heartbreaking at once. McKenna’s ex Remi is deliciously crushworthy but also well developed and complex as their own person (or rather, demon). Both of these characters were immediately compelling, and their interactions are flirty and teasing in the best way, but what really surprised me was the warmth I ended up feeling toward other characters in McKenna’s life, her family and found family, the bonds that unite them and the fears that separate them. The author sets up questions and twists and cliffhangers and answers with such impeccable pacing, reading The Twice-Sold Soul is like watching an intricate tapestry come to life all around you, slowly zooming out until it all comes together in the most satisfying way possible, surprising and inevitable all at once. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

[Kailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great urban fantasy ride! This book caught my attention because of the gender fluid rep. The main character is a messy bi woman who's been running for the last 10 years to keep her friends safe. This book feels very "what happens to the chosen ones after the big battle is over" which is always of interest to me. You get flashbacks to 12 years prior with the first Big Bad battle and other moments McKenna had with her friends. The side characters are all really well developed. You definitely felt she had history with her friends, and they had their own personalities. I'm looking forward to seeing more of McKennas character arc as I can see she's growing. Also, I can't wait for more of Remi. I shipped the two of them the moment Remi first appeared and I will continue to do so!

[Meaghan Whalen-Kielback · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun and satisfying read! It was more suspenseful than steamy, which put it right in my wheelhouse. As someone who grew up reading harry potter and watching buffy, then growing up and read things like The Magicians and the Dresden Files this was exactly the sort of book I enjoy. I found the magic system interesting and different enough to set it a part from other books. Mckenna is such a well rounded, well lived in character I immediately related with.

I don't know what was the more interesting wish fulfillment fantasy of the book, being a witch with a sexy, funny demon ex or being thrust into your old life you haven't been a part of for a decade.

I really cannot wait for the next book and to find out what happens next in Arcadia Commons!

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun! At first this book seems like a lot of thirsty, cute call backs, and a lot of plot coming at you and seeming almost messy. But then it gets sexy and driven. And it ends with just like 'No, I AM an actual fantasy novel.'

about 60% of the way in I was like... wait it's a series? It feels like this is going to wrap up in one book! And I appreciate the precision in carving out the pieces to wrap up so I don't feel left out to dry but also leaving enough plotlines to keep in this universe that I'm now invested in.

My partner is team Bastien and I'm team Remi and we loved listening to this novel and can't wait for the twice wanted witch!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

thanks to goodreads for providing me with an kindle copy of this book!

this was lots of fun, and pleasantly surprised me. all of the characters were easy to root for and the plotline of McKenna coming back home and trying to resolve her past with her present was interesting. i would've loved a little more romance, as my favorite relationship was between Remi and McKenna, but i am hopeful there will be more in the next books in the series!

[MollyK · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am going to admit defeat on this one. I like the premise and the set up of the book. The characters absolutely have potential. It just reads too teenagerly for me. Now don't get me wrong, I love a good YA. It's just that these characters are supposed to be 10 years out of high school and adulting but the narrative tone is so young. I feel a little gross just reading it. And honestly it's been a year so time to relinquish this one.

[Sam Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel neutral about this one. But the 4th star is for the Harry Potter reference.

I knew who I wanted the bad guy to be, which wasn't who I guessed it to be. And my guess was correct. Which is a win for me cause I never guess correctly.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

When I first started this book I felt like I was diving into the second book of a series. There is so much plot that happens before the events of this book. But when I got my bearings, I had a good time and enjoyed the characters.

[Elva Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is what I needed after my reading slump! Dark, thrilling, and packed with twists, The Twice Sold Soul keeps you on the edge of your seat. With a gripping plot and complex characters, this supernatural tale is a must-read for fans of intense, epic fantasy.

[Makiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

How is it that every arc I read, it somehow gets a lower rating 😔

RTC

2.5 🌟