The Soul Collector

by Laura Daleo

It begins with darkness. Are they dead, or trapped inside a horrible dream? No one can hear them, see them. Has the world forgotten them? Are they invisible? Not to the Soul Collector. They have stepped into her Kingdom, and she is waiting for them.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2019

About the author

I was born and raised in Sunny San Diego, California. A creative writing class in junior high sparked my desire to tell stores. I’ve been a hostess, bookkeeper, accountant, manager, and animal advocate, but writing anything paranormal has always been my passion. Throughout my professional career, I squeezed in writing whenever I could. I camped out late at night in front of my computer, with my four basset hounds, Stuart, Morgan, Rose, and Cooper, my toughest critics asleep at my feet. Now I’m living out my dream as an author.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when a soul is caught between the living and the dead, when a person is comatose and the only things keeping them alive are machines? Several people will find themselves in another dimension, promises made by otherworldly beings, deals forged, but are they dreaming while in a coma or have their souls been bartered for what they thought was another chance at life? Have they been fooled by the devil or have they found something better?

Laura Daleo’s THE SOUL COLLECTOR is both a huge “what-if” tale and either a dream or nightmare of epic proportions.

Skillfully, Ms. Daleo meters out information, as if we are living these events along with her characters as they go on a journey that could lead them to Hell for eternity or back to those they love. Who is the Soul Collector and to what end do they need them? Does the Soul collector have all of the answers or are they just another pawn in an even more horrific game?

If you like your reading on the dark side, with more incredible twists that may have crossed your own mind before, this is an amazing journey into the unknown and the possibilities are endless for those involved. Can there be a happy ending or is this truly the beginning of a nightmare of exponential proportions?

Fabulously dark reading that gives nothing away! Add this one to your Halloween line up for sure!

I received a complimentary copy from Laura Daleo! This honest review is voluntary.

Publisher: Story Bound Publishing, LLC; 1 edition (August 28, 2019)
Publication Date: August 27, 2019
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Page count: 180 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Barb (Boxermommyreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

So first let's get the review out of the way and then I'll share the backstory. When The Soul Collector starts, the reader is thrown smack-dab into the middle of a boxing match. However, it quickly turns South when Bayfield is knocked unconscious and taken to a local hospital when he gets emergency surgery. There's only one little hitch - he doesn't understand why he is outside his body and watching all that is happening. Bayfield soon learns that his soul has left his body when he is approached by a Mad-Hatter sort of guy and asked to sign a magical book which will allow him to live in a mansion with others and encourage his loved one to keep praying for his survival and not give up on him. Along the way Bayfield runs into Arielle who is also trapped in this limbo and they work together to figure out what is really going on.

This book really does have a magical/supernatural element to it that is done fantastically. The mansion the "souls" enter is decked out and kind of put me in mind of a modern day Wonderland. But while the supernatural element really appealed to me, what Daleo does even better is the relationships in the book. Bayfield lost his parents as a young child and was raised by his Godfather/boxing coach. This man is totally devoted to his Godson and what he goes through trying to pull Bayfield through the injury is such a testament to the bond they have. On the other hand, Arielle doesn't have the best relationship with her father and that itself plays out on how she manages to pull though the situation.

And finally we have the "big baddie." Drara is the "evil" entity that is behind the soul collection and the magical book. However, she is not the black and white villain readers usually encounter. Her character is pretty much morally grey. I could tell you more but will say you just need to read the book. But I will tell you I hated Drara, or as Bayfield and Arielle call her - Catwoman, when I started the book and actually liked her toward the end.

At under 200 pages, this is an ideal book to pick up for a quick read. There isn't really insta-love as much as there is a relationship connection and bond so don't let how things play out between Bayfield and Arielle put you off. This was a unique read and I think Laura is working on a horror novel now. Personally I can't wait!

[M.J. Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this novel in an online competition. I don't enter many but the premise intrigued me - the crossover from a comatose state to death, the transition from a fully sentient human being, to the afterlife. Jonathan Bayfield and Arielle Robbins are on the outside looking in, or rather looking down upon their own bodies. They find themselves trapped in a semi-existence, at the mercy of their guide, Jekins, and a mysterious being called Drara. Their investigations reveal the truth behind their roles and the all-important book of souls.
There is lots to admire about the style of writing, some excellent prose and clear medical knowledge, decent explanations and pace. There were a few typos here and there (mainly missing words) but they did not detract from a thoroughly enjoyable read. Though the two characters perhaps fell in love a little too fast/easily, I found myself rooting for them and surprisingly, a few of the other characters.
If you like the paranormal, you should enjoy this one.

[Laura Daleo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed By K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

The Soul Collector is a work of fiction in the paranormal genre that is aimed at young adult audiences and was written by author Laura Daleo. The novel explores the world of the Soul Collector, the queen of a dark kingdom somewhere between the living and the dead. The Soul Collector’s world is another dimension that souls slip into when their bodies are comatose and kept alive only through machines. Filled with strange beings making deals with lost souls, those who end up there struggle to determine whether they’re in a mere dream, or if they really are bartering with their souls for a chance at a better life.

Author Laura Daleo has crafted a fascinating work that explores the mystery of what bodies, minds, and souls might do during the experience of living through a coma. With this supernatural concept of an in-between realm in place, Daleo employs some fantastic atmospheric descriptions to create this new world and populates it with many fascinating yet terrifying concepts and creatures that we are compelled to explore. One of the things I most enjoyed about it was that the protagonists were not necessarily heroes, but characters with their own flaws and difficulties that challenge them whilst navigating this new and dangerous realm. The plot revolves around an initially slow-burning dynamic which soon builds to a highly satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Soul Collector to mature young adult and adult readers seeking a truly unique paranormal adventure.

[Rhonda Bobbitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow... this was an absolutely fantastic book. What happens when you're in a coma?...the soul collector comes to collect. And she has help. Amazing storyline, supernatural at its best. Speaking of supernatural... if you like the TV series.. you need to read this.. now it's not Sam and Dean.. but it's Jenkins and Sull and filled with paranormal ghostly happenings.. such a great book.

[Brandee Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this supernatural mystery within 24 hours. The intricate storytelling in the Soul Collector drew me in and, in all honesty, I didn't want it to let me go.

Johnathan Bayfield is a boxer who is beaten down in a match. Arielle Robbins is a rich socialite who drunkenly falls off her family's boat. They both lapse into comas and end up at the same hospital. As they each have out-of-body experiences, they meet Drara the Soul Collector. She promises both Johnathan and Arielle protection over their earthly bodies as they heal in exchange for their signatures in her book of souls. Neither Arielle nor Johnathan seem to have other opportunities, so they willingly sign and wait for the next chapter of their lives to start.

While their earthly bodies heal in the hospital, their spirits meet, share adventures, discuss their predicaments, try to solve the mystery presented to them, and eventually fall in love. The hospital doctors are unaware of their patients' spiritual meeting and attempt at mystery solving. The doctors do not know why Johnathan and Arielle are healing rapidly but only to a certain point. Johnathan and Arielle visit their bodies in the hospital and discover the partial healing. Did the sinister-looking Drara mislead them into thinking they would be fine after a while? Does Drara have evil intentions for their souls? Will they ever be able to reunite with their bodies?

For a short novel, 168 pages, the author packs a lot of action, intrigue, and love into the storyline. She weaves in supporting characters who advance the story and help to solve the mysteries surrounding Drara and her collection of souls. One of best features of this novel is the character development. There are quite a few relatable human moments for a supernatural story, and you can tell the author took care in shaping what makes the characters tick.

I would love to see this developed into a longer novel with a little more energy spent on scenery development and how it works with the story. There are some editorial mistakes throughout, but they did not distract me from the unique storyline and character descriptions.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.

[Tinamarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rated The Soul Collector 3 out of 5 stars.

The premise of the book was an excellent idea. Drara is a soul collector, who wishes to be human, and Ashley and Johnathan are one of the many souls she is collecting with the helps of Jekins. Drara offers the souls, more or less, a life they never had under a few conditions. Ashley and Johnathan easily allow their souls to be collected but soon begin to question their decisions, upon meeting Sara, a little old lady whose soul was collected years before and who is ultimately mute. With the help of Ashley and Johnathan, Sara sets out to uncover the end game in Drara's soul collecting, along with Father Sullivan- because who better to have on your side but a priest/psychic. This leads them to uncovering their worst fears and working together to convince Drara that all is not what it seems.

I enjoyed the plot of this book. I thought it was original and interesting. It started out fast paced in the beginning and the interaction between the characters was well established. I disliked the love story intertwined throughout the novel. It was too rushed and very generic and quite expected from the first time the characters met. It just seemed very elementary and took away from the darkness of the rest of the story, which was a major reason why I couldn't rate this more than 3 stars.

Another reason why I gave the rating I did was because of the many misspellings and grammer errors throughout. Material was spelled wrong, words were repeated in sentences and punctuations, such as quote marks, were put in the wrong places. These errors made the story, at times, hard to follow.

One thing I did enjoy was the descriptiveness of the scenes and what the characters looked like. I could envision Drara and how offputting she must look. I also enjoyed the twist of at the end of the book when all the characters reconnect after their ordeal.

All in all, it wasn't completely horrible but had it not been for NetGalley approving me to read this, I probably wouldn't have continued reading the book.

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the premise of the story, which was all around near-death people being stuck between the real world and the afterlife, and the story seemed original, imaginative and full of mystery and intrigue. I was drawn in at the start when we were following Bayfield, and the near-fatal blow during the boxing match that led to him being put into a coma. We then follow from Bayfield’s out of body perspective, which was interesting.
Unfortunately, as soon as we left Bayfield’s point of view, things started to unravel for me. In Chapter 4 we enter the perspective of Arielle, and I started to lose interest. There is a hint of romance between these two, which seemed a bit forced and unnecessary before the plot accelerates. We then bounce around between the point of view of many other characters, and it gets a bit confusing as I lost track of who I’m supposed to be most interested in. At times, we jump between the thoughts of different characters within the same chapter.
In addition to the point of view issues, I think the writing could have been improved. Firstly, there were mistakes and grammatical errors. Secondly, I found the dialogue unconvincing. Maybe because I’m not from the USA, but I found expressions like “I’ll give you the 411 as we walk” unnecessary and irritating, but more fundamentally, I never fully believed that the reactions of Bayfield and Arielle represented those of people who had just left their bodies for the first time (maybe because of the early love interest). Some of the writing was repetitive. I lost count of the number of times someone pursed their lips or references to Drara’s yellow orbs.
Overall, whilst I failed to dislike the book, I think it needed further work prior to release. Without the point of view issues and the basic errors, I would probably go 4 stars, but with them, I can’t give it more than 2.

[Roger Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 Book Review by R.M. Campbell 📚
Book: The Soul Collector
Author: Laura Daleo
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#bookloungereviewteam

The perception of what happens to humans after they die has been a source of speculation and religious debate throughout history, particularly regarding the human soul. In this book, the author uses her creative talent to construct a scenario in which a magical, supernatural entity from another realm collects the souls of humans who are not dead, but also not ready to be sent to heaven, usually a person in a coma. Drara is a soul collector, and her sole purpose is governing human souls, ensuring the safety of the soul. Jonathan Bayfield is a prizefighter who sustained a head injury and went into a coma, and Arielle Robbins went into a coma after a boating accident. Drara reached out to both and made them an offer to protect their souls, but first, they had to sign, in blood, in the Book of Souls. The agreement appealed to both Jonathan and Arielle, and they signed the book, not truly knowing the full extent of what the book was all about.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and found it both enlightening and frightening. The world-building was fabulous, and the characters were marvelous. The interactions between the characters are amazing, and the reader can easily get caught up in the drama and the emotions of the story. There is plenty of suspense, tension, action, and emotion to keep the reader transfixed on the story’s unexpected twist. I highly recommend this book as a fabulous fantasy/paranormal/unusual book.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 Summary: Bayfield suffers an out-of-body experience during a boxing match and realizes he’s unconscious due to a severe head injury 🤕 In his attempt to learn what’s happening, he meets Drara - an otherworldly creature who promises hope and life in exchange for a blood signature in a mysterious book🩸. Bayfield meets others like him and finds out there is more to his deal with Drara than he thought. An unlikely crew joins together to uncover Drara’s secrets and (hopefully) release their stuck souls.

💭 Thoughts: The concept of this novella was really interesting. The plot flowed and progressed smoothly, and it ranged from suspenseful, to sorrowful, to spooky (and more). You learn about several different characters, their backgrounds, and their current journey. As more characters were introduced, I worried the plot would become convoluted, but it didn’t at all. I enjoyed reading how each individual’s experiences lead them to each other.

I did feel like the characters’ relationships with each other felt a little rushed and bland (except for Drara and Jekins - LOVED them♥️), and I wanted more details on certain plot points (i.e. Drara’s creation). The writing was dialogue heavy, which normally isn’t my favorite writing style, but I found myself thinking of it as a screenplay or TV show which was fun to imagine.

If you like misunderstood “villains”😈, supernatural fantasy👻, and happy endings 🤗- check this book out!

(Actual rating: 3.75 out of 5, I rounded up for Goodreads)

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonathan and Arielle are both in comas in separate rooms at the same hospital. When Jonathan is looking at his body in the hospital, he is confused. No one can hear him. Then Jenkins and Arielle show up at his room where he is convinced to go with them to Drara’s mansion. He goes as he has been promised nothing will happen to his body while they are there and be able to talk to others. Jonathan goes. Later, Jonathan and Arielle decide to go and check out their bodies at the hospital. What will they find? How will they react?

As I don’t want to give away what ends up happening, I decided stopping. It’s a great story to read. The book gives a possible example of what happens when one is in a coma. As I read it, I thought that Jonathan and Arielle were very brave throughout the story. They realized that they might not like what they discover even if meant the end of their lives. It is a fast and engaging story about making decisions, not giving up and honesty in a relationship. This is a novel that anyone can read and enjoy.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren Daleo’s The Soul Collector explores unfamiliar territory—the realm of spirits displaced by comatose states and death. The novel’s main characters, Jonathan Bayfield and Arielle Robbins, are locked out of their bodies following serious injuries. A boxer and a wealthy party girl, respectively, they are the kind of people who are used to living in the physical world and have to learn along with the reader about the rules of being disembodied. When a mysterious entity named Drara and her human helper Jekins offer to help them, they are led into the unknown. Daleo’s novel is refreshing because it deals with spiritual and religious elements without being preachy. I get the sense that the author is a woman of faith, but that she has a genuine desire to move the audience and tell a story. It’s good to read something that pushes you to think about your own values and ideals, but that also allows you to draw your own conclusions. The Soul Collector explores themes of second chances, redemption, and love. I liked her use of magical elements in a realistic setting. The novel is recommended for fans of the urban fantasy genre, particularly those looking to explore new and independent authors.

[Hayley Rader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trigger Warnings: Themes of death, medical trauma/end of life

From the very first page, The Soul Collector had me completely hooked. Laura DeLeo weaves a masterful story that’s both haunting and exhilarating, with a storyline so compelling I genuinely couldn’t put it down. Every chapter pulled me deeper into a world that felt richly imagined and eerily real.
The characters are brilliantly crafted, complex, relatable, and unforgettable. Whether hero or villain, each one carries emotional weight and depth that made me care deeply about their fate. And the world-building? Absolutely stunning. DeLeo creates a universe that’s immersive and layered, with just the right balance of mystery and magic.
This book isn’t just a read, it’s an experience. If you're looking for a gripping, atmospheric tale that lingers long after the final page, The Soul Collector is it.

#bookloungereviewteam

[Melissa Giroux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does the boxer have a chance of winning this match against the heavyweight champion? Does the rich girl with absent parents party away on her twenty-first birthday? Or do they both end up comas, and sign away their souls to a creature dames Drara who needs to fill her book and palace with the souls of the living? John and Arielle fight against the book's creation and find a way to be freed from their blood signature with the help of Drara's human helper and a priest and one unexpected character.
This book instantly pulled me in and I read it cover to cover in an hour. I found myself not being able to put it down and needing to find out what happened next! Highly recommend The Soul Collector! Laura Daleo's writing has a way to connect with your craving for reading!

[Amelia Beatrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Soul Collector is hauntingly beautiful and utterly captivating from the very first line. The atmosphere is drenched in mystery and unease, pulling the reader into a shadowy realm where fear and fascination intertwine. The prose is lyrical yet chilling, painting vivid images of a world caught between life and death. What struck me most was the way the story evokes such raw emotion loneliness, dread, curiosity, while still holding onto an almost poetic elegance. The Soul Collector herself is an unforgettable presence, both terrifying and mesmerizing. This book lingers in the mind long after the final page, a dark and compelling masterpiece that makes you question what lies beyond the veil.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura did it again and gave me a book that hooked me from the first line. You really dont know what is going to happen next .its an amazing read that has characters you'll never forget. I strongly recommend that others read it and hope they all enjoy it as much as I did as this authors writing is amazing and I cannot wait to read more of her work I've read 2 and am impressed with both works that I've read 10/10

[Michelle VanDaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be an original and captivating story. I wish there was a pre-quel or another book that delves into Drara's story more. In this book she feels like a side character but she deserves to be a lead. I look forward to more by this author

[Heather Bane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good. From the start it had me hooked. The storyline and characters are well written and interesting. A hard book to put down. I would recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Savannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Soul Collector is a paranormal fantasy centering on the souls of Jonathan Bayfield and Arielle. The action starts almost immediately as Bayfield takes a direct hit to the head via headbutt, sending his body to the ICU and severing it from his soul. Standing over his body, Bayfield is confronted by a supernatural being offering to save his life in exchange for his signature in her book of souls. This sets off a series of supernatural events culminating in the ultimate clash between good and evil.

The book did suffer from some minor issues. The story bounces back and forth between character perspectives with no clear indication of who is in charge. These shifts happen within the same chapter and can be very confusing. The story also has some minor pacing issues. Things start out quickly, lull, and then pick back up in the last third of the book. There were also some stale dialogue and repetitive phrases such as "her yellowish orbs."

However, it was still a very good story that draws you in. You easily become invested as the events unfold. The characters are likeable and relatable. The story keeps you guessing and has several twists. The supernatural elements are spooky without being scary, but still keep you on the edge of your seat. I only wish the book had been longer so I could have spent more time with the characters and certain scenes could have been more fleshed out. I look forward to reading more for Laura Daleo in the future!

I received this book in physical copy in return for an honest review.

[Melanie Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Soul Collector is much different from any other book I think I’ve read. It deals with the afterlife and the place in between life and afterlife in a way I’ve not seen before. The majority of the characters are trapped in comas and given the opportunity to “live” out their lives in a secluded mansion owned by The Soul Collector.

I really like the ideas put forth in this book. The idea that those in a coma can be doing something other than just what it appears is a cool idea. To think our loved ones are potentially having a good time verses the possibility that they are trapped in their bodies is comforting in a way.

The main characters are all quite interesting. There were a few side characters I’d like to know more about, but it wasn’t their story. I really didn’t like Drara at first, but as time went on and we were shown more of her personality, I grew to like her to a degree and maybe feel a little sorry for her.

The Soul Collector was a book I had a hard time putting down. The kids can only eat so much cereal before Mommy has to actually make real food instead of reading. Each chapter brings a new piece of the puzzle and I just couldn’t put it together fast enough for my own tastes. Daleo knows exactly when to reveal each detail in the perfect place.

This really was a great book and I recommend it for anyone looking for a unique read. It’s definitely worth the time.

[Silvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

have you ever wonder what happens while someone is in coma, or fighting for their lives while they're connected to a machine to keep them alive? can they listen? does their soul is trapped or wandering between dimensions?
is everything a dream.. or worst, a nightmare! Does second chances are for real?
Who holds the key.. Who's the soul collector? Does he really exist. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review,


This is,so far the best dark novel of Ms Daleo, she gives nothing away and keeps you turning pages, wondering if at some point there will be a happy ending, The soul collector is a must if you love major plot twist,
I highly recommend it!

[C. Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot flowed nicely and the action kept me guessing and flipping pages. What a clever story.

Laura Daleo has created a novel in which the main character shows growth. For me that is always something I look for in my favorite main characters. I liked flawed characters and if they can overcome things, it really speaks to me.

This was a quick read for me. I felt like the words and plot just flowed long effortlessly. I found myself flipping page after page and guessing the whole time.

[Gina Stamper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the writing style of Laura Daleo, you get a hint of it in the synopsis, but it really is beautifully written. Weird to say about a book that has a cover like this one, but that really is my description for her writing ability.
I loved the way this story unfolded. We got bits and pieces and just enough action to keep us actively engaged and flipping pages. Such a imaginative piece of writing.

[Truly Trendy PR · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Soul Collector  by Laura Daleo  is a dark fantasy that will make you question everything that goes bump in the night! Full of drama, twists and turns that pull you into a world unlike any other. The Soul Collector is the perfect fall read! *I received a complimentary copy from RABT Book Tours and the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.*

[Sylvia Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

I loved this book and didn’t want it to end. It had some twists in there I never saw coming. Loved the characters too.

[LoriEden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It delivers great characters and keeps you turning the pages. Very much recommend this book