Soul Taker

by Celia Rees

Lewis is overweight, unpopular, even his dad doesn’t like him very much. He really does not have a whole lot going for him until he goes to see Mr Ladslow, the local toy shop owner. Viktor Ladslow offers to change his life, but he will exact the most terrible price.

Genres: Horror, Young Adult, Fiction, Teen, Supernatural

182 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Celia Rees (born 1949) is an English author of children's, YA and Adult fiction.

She was born in 1949 in Solihull, West Midlands but now lives in Leamington Spa with her husband. Rees attended University of Warwick and earned a degree in History of Politics. After university, she taught English in Coventry secondary schools for seventeen years, during which time she began to write.

Since then, she has written over twenty YA titles. Her books have been translated into 28 languages. She has been short listed for the Guardian, Whitbread (now Costa) and W.H. Smith Children’s Book Awards. She is a regular tutor for the Arvon Foundation. She has been Chair of the Children’s Writers and Illustrators Group and on the Society of Authors’ Management Committee.

Her first book for adults, Miss Graham's Cold War Cookbook, was published by HarperCollins in July, 2020.

Reviews

[Inoli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up because the library branch I went to was supposed to have Witch Child based on a check the night before but it apparently was checked out by the time I got there the next day. Ms. Reese wrote this a lot earlier and it was short so I took it instead kind of as a sample of her writing. I'm glad I did. This seemed to written to a younger age group, more obviously than some I've read, and was a familiar theme but I really liked this short scary story. I liked the way it was developed, I liked the writing/language and I found it interesting how what seemed to be lessons in life and perception and thought (it did not seem didactic to me at all) were being presented through advice given to the main character but with obviously sinister motives. I was curious about how that would be addressed and was satisfied on that count at the end. I liked this. This added to my anticipation of Witch Child, along with Misty's review and Witch Child's popularity among the people I pay attention to.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book had a lot of promise I thought, but as the story unfolded, any depth I felt Rees had established fell apart. I saw no hint of the "love" that apparently existed between the two main characters; an overweight boy apparently developed rock-hard abs within a month and a half; there wasn't any sort of resolution or closure with the main character's father (which the story really could have used); the main conflict scene was weak at best, indecipherable at worst; overall, I'd been sort of excited, seeing as how I've never read a horror novel with a puppet theme other than those by R. L. Stein - but I'm sure there's good ones out there.

[Amie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just got this book from the library - teen section. It looked like it might be interesting and a quick read. it was - I read it within 2 hours. A teen boy - fat, teased mercilessly, low self-esteem issues, etc. - has his fortune read, gets some advice on how his future is set by the actions of the presence and he begins to go through some changes including getting fit, getting the pretty girl, etc. All to come to a strangle twist near the end.

[Tara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lewis is fat, ugly and useless... Well that's what he thinks anyway. One day he visits Mr adslow to get his fortune read. Mr Ladslow know's exacly what to say to make Lewis want his help, to give away everything.
Lewis's life gets better after meeting Mr Ladslow, and his life quickly turns around. But something strange is happening, someones... missing..

It's not too bad of a book, but it didn't have the normal chill factor of a celia Rees book and lacked some substance.

[Woodbury Public Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aggregate book review from young adult book discussion:

An okay book. Some of us didn't finish it but after the discussion we think we will.

Those of us who finished it thought the book was fun and were interested in seeing where it went but were a little disappointed by the ending. It seemed a little to much like a quick, happy, wrap-up.

Would recommend to friends who like to read horror.

[Miranda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was very interesting. I'm usually not into creepy things, but this wasn't that bad. Certain parts linger, although I wasn't impressed with the book on literary merit; just interesting enough to be memorable.

[Colleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have the original version of this book and only semi-enjoyed it.
I don't know what it was about the book, but something just put me off.
The plot was ok and everything and the characters weren't the worst in the world, but I dunno... I just couldn't bring myself to like it that much.

[Clarissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story. It was about a boy who is picked on and is willing to do anything to feel good about himself. A good book, especially for those that don't like to read big/long books. Boys will like this story!!!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A suspenseful read, great for YA. Reads very quickly and is more like a short story than a novel. Great for book discussion. Some readers may need to adjust to some of the British terminology but the interested reader will not be deterred.

[- Sophie..(:]

This Looks Veryy GdGd!

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A master puppeteer makes dolls that are so life-like, you'd swear you are looking at someone you know...oh, wait! You are - with even their soul trapped inside.

[Tammy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The final confrontation and ending were rushed and too easy. I liked the characters okay but I've seen Celia Rees do better.

[Hesa Almheiri · Rating 4 out of 5]

i like the whole story
its very nice, but didn't like the ending so much its just not that convincing
but it was worth it any ways

[Shannan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book when I read it years ago. The flaws and quirks of the protagonist kept it interesting, and the storyline was agreeably dark.

[Esto Es]

Been long since i read it when i was younger. a good book to read. especially the supernatural bits. recommended especially for the younger gen.