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Her Soul to Take

Her Soul to Take

by Harley Laroux 2021 493 pages
4.07
100k+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Curiosity is a Dangerous and Powerful Force

"Curiosity will get you in trouble. Curiosity kills pussies...Is that the phrase?"

Exploration Leads to Transformation. Curiosity drives human beings to push beyond known boundaries, often leading to profound and unexpected discoveries. In this narrative, Raelynn's insatiable desire to investigate the paranormal directly transforms her life, pulling her into a supernatural world she never knew existed.

Risks of Unchecked Curiosity:

  • Potential exposure to dangerous unknown entities
  • Psychological and physical transformation
  • Breaking established safety boundaries
  • Encountering realities beyond conventional understanding

Curiosity as a Double-Edged Sword. While curiosity can lead to incredible revelations, it also exposes individuals to significant risks. Raelynn's paranormal investigations and her decision to summon a demon demonstrate how intellectual pursuit can dramatically alter one's existential trajectory.

2. The Supernatural World Exists Alongside Our Own

"Demons have two names. There is the name we are known by... and the name by which we are summoned."

Hidden Supernatural Layers. The narrative reveals that supernatural entities coexist with human society, operating through complex systems of magic, ritual, and ancient contracts. These beings possess intricate hierarchies, rules, and social dynamics that remain invisible to most humans.

Supernatural World Characteristics:

  • Governed by complex magical protocols
  • Operates through ritualistic summoning
  • Maintains intricate power structures
  • Possesses its own moral and ethical frameworks
  • Intersects with human world in subtle, often unnoticed ways

Interconnected Realities. The supernatural realm is not separate from human experience but intricately woven into its fabric, with powerful entities influencing human events through manipulation, bargaining, and strategic interventions.

3. Power Demands Sacrifice

"Three survivors, three sacrifices. The Deep One promised power to those who fulfilled Its demands."

Cosmic Exchange of Energy. Power in this universe is not freely given but requires significant sacrificial offerings. The Libiri cult's belief system demonstrates that supernatural forces demand blood, souls, and human life as currency for potential protection or transformation.

Sacrifice Mechanisms:

  • Human lives as transactional offerings
  • Generational contracts with supernatural entities
  • Ritualistic exchanges of power
  • Systematic selection of specific bloodlines
  • Surrender of individual autonomy

Metaphysical Economics. The narrative illustrates that power operates on a cosmic accounting system where each supernatural blessing requires an equivalent human cost, revealing the brutal calculus of mystical transactions.

4. Love Transcends Humanity and Monstrosity

"I want to possess her, wholly. We demons have the power to take nearly anything we wanted, but a human soul? That had to be given willingly."

Unconditional Connection. Love in this narrative emerges as a force more powerful than supernatural boundaries, capable of bridging seemingly incompatible beings. Leon's relationship with Raelynn demonstrates that genuine emotional connection can exist beyond traditional human limitations.

Transformative Love Characteristics:

  • Breaks species and dimensional barriers
  • Requires mutual vulnerability
  • Challenges inherent power dynamics
  • Demands complete psychological surrender
  • Transcends conventional moral frameworks

Emotional Alchemy. The story explores how love can fundamentally transform beings, showing that monsters can develop profound emotional capacities and humans can find safety in unexpected connections.

5. Identity is Fluid and Transformative

"Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become."

Dynamic Self-Construction. Identity is portrayed not as a fixed state but as a continuous process of becoming. Both Raelynn and Leon undergo significant personal transformations through their interactions and choices.

Identity Transformation Mechanisms:

  • Conscious choice and repeated actions
  • Exposure to challenging environments
  • Willingness to challenge existing boundaries
  • Emotional and supernatural experiences
  • Acceptance of complex, multifaceted self

Psychological Metamorphosis. The narrative suggests that identity is not predetermined but constantly negotiated through experience, relationship, and personal agency.

6. Fear Can Be a Gateway to Desire

"Something about him wasn't safe; I couldn't put my finger on it, but he set off alarm bells in my brain that told me to run. A rabbit knew instinctively to flee from a wolf. So why, instead of fleeing, was I fantasizing about being caught?"

Psychological Complexity of Attraction. Fear and desire are portrayed as intimately interconnected psychological states, where the threat of danger can paradoxically generate intense sexual and emotional attraction.

Fear-Desire Dynamics:

  • Primal survival instincts intertwined with sexual response
  • Attraction to powerful, potentially dangerous entities
  • Psychological exploration of consensual power exchange
  • Subversion of traditional safety paradigms

Boundary Exploration. The text demonstrates how confronting and negotiating fear can lead to profound personal discoveries and transformative experiences.

7. Survival Requires Strategic Alliances

"We demons have been drawn to the brightness: human lives burn so brightly but so briefly."

Mutual Protection Strategies. Survival in a complex supernatural landscape demands forming strategic relationships that transcend traditional boundaries of trust and companionship.

Alliance Formation Principles:

  • Mutual benefit assessment
  • Shared threat recognition
  • Complementary skill sets
  • Willingness to challenge existing power structures
  • Emotional and practical interdependence

Evolutionary Cooperation. The narrative illustrates how survival often requires building connections across seemingly incompatible domains, emphasizing adaptability and strategic thinking.

8. Ancestral Legacies Have Profound Consequences

"Some old relative of yours survived that mine, Raelynn. The God let him survive. In exchange, It demands a life back."

Generational Supernatural Contracts. Ancestral histories carry supernatural implications, with past actions creating binding metaphysical obligations that extend through generations.

Legacy Transmission Mechanisms:

  • Supernatural genetic markers
  • Unresolved cosmic debts
  • Inherited mystical potential
  • Transgenerational spiritual contracts
  • Unavoidable metaphysical reckonings

Karmic Inheritance. The story reveals how individual and familial histories create predetermined paths that can only be navigated through conscious intervention.

9. Consent and Boundaries Matter, Even with Supernatural Beings

"We demons value free will above all else... We all know to call mercy if the play needs to end."

Ethical Interaction Protocols. Even in supernatural contexts, consent and mutual respect remain paramount, with clear communication and established boundaries serving as critical interaction mechanisms.

Consent Principles:

  • Explicit permission requirements
  • Respect for individual agency
  • Clear communication channels
  • Mutual vulnerability
  • Continuous consent verification

Psychological Safety. The narrative emphasizes that genuine connection requires ongoing negotiation and respect, regardless of supernatural power dynamics.

10. Darkness Contains Both Danger and Protection

"The darkness was sharp but, God, it was warm. It was terrifying, but it was safe."

Nuanced Perception of Threat. Darkness is portrayed not as a simple binary of danger but as a complex environment containing potential protection, transformation, and unexpected sanctuary.

Darkness Characteristics:

  • Multilayered psychological landscape
  • Source of potential transformation
  • Alternative protection mechanism
  • Space for radical authenticity
  • Repository of hidden potentials

Existential Complexity. The story reveals that perceived threats often contain unexpected forms of safety, challenging simplistic threat assessment models.

Last updated:

FAQ

What's Her Soul to Take about?

  • Dark Fantasy and Horror: Her Soul to Take by Harley Laroux is a dark fantasy novel that combines elements of horror, romance, and the supernatural.
  • Raelynn and Leon: The story follows Raelynn Lawson, a college student who accidentally summons a demon named Leon while exploring her town, Abelaum.
  • Cult and Sacrifice: The plot involves a cult led by the Hadleigh family, who practice human sacrifice to awaken an ancient God.

Why should I read Her Soul to Take?

  • Unique Genre Blend: The book offers a captivating mix of dark fantasy, horror, and romance, appealing to fans of complex narratives.
  • Character Development: Raelynn is a relatable protagonist who undergoes significant growth, adding depth to the story.
  • Exploration of Taboo Themes: It delves into themes of consent, power dynamics, and dark desires, challenging societal norms.

What are the key takeaways of Her Soul to Take?

  • Embrace Desires: The novel encourages confronting and embracing one's desires, even those considered taboo.
  • Curiosity's Consequences: It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of curiosity and seeking forbidden knowledge.
  • Power Dynamics: The dynamics between Raelynn and Leon explore themes of power and control in relationships.

What are the best quotes from Her Soul to Take and what do they mean?

  • Curiosity Warning: “Curiosity can kill you, Raelynn.” This quote emphasizes the dangers of seeking the unknown.
  • Power Dynamics: “You’re very lucky, Raelynn, that I don’t bend you over this pulpit...” highlights the tension and power dynamics between Raelynn and Leon.
  • Pleasure and Pain: “I’ll make you scream for more pain.” underscores the complex relationship between pleasure and pain in the story.

Who are the main characters in Her Soul to Take?

  • Raelynn Lawson: The protagonist, a college student entangled in a world of demons and cults.
  • Leon: A demon summoned by Raelynn, embodying both danger and desire, challenging her perceptions of power.
  • Kent Hadleigh: A magician involved in dark rituals, representing the manipulative forces in Abelaum.

How does the setting of Abelaum contribute to the story?

  • Dark History: Abelaum's dark legends and history serve as a backdrop, amplifying the sense of danger and mystery.
  • Isolation: Confined spaces like the church and woods heighten tension and reflect Raelynn’s internal struggles.
  • Forest Symbolism: The forest symbolizes the unknown and the dangers within, mirroring Raelynn’s journey into her desires and fears.

What is the significance of the grimoire in Her Soul to Take?

  • Source of Power: The grimoire contains knowledge and spells to summon demons, representing forbidden knowledge.
  • Historical Connection: It ties to Abelaum's history and the Hadleigh family, embodying the legacy of dark magic.
  • Control and Obsession: The grimoire symbolizes Kent Hadleigh's control over Leon and his obsession with power.

How does Her Soul to Take challenge traditional romance tropes?

  • Demon Love Interest: The novel subverts the typical romantic hero by presenting a demon as the love interest.
  • Consent and Power: It explores the complexities of consent and power dynamics, often overlooked in traditional romance.
  • Embracing Darkness: Characters explore their desires without judgment, challenging the notion that romance must be light.

What role does the God play in Her Soul to Take?

  • Antagonistic Force: The God represents dark forces seeking to control Raelynn and others for its purposes.
  • Symbol of Fear: It embodies the fears haunting Raelynn, reminding her of the stakes involved in her choices.
  • Catalyst for Change: The God’s influence drives the plot, forcing characters to confront desires and fears, leading to growth.

How does the theme of sacrifice play out in Her Soul to Take?

  • Personal Sacrifice: Raelynn confronts sacrificing her life and soul for others, tied to her family's history.
  • Others' Sacrifices: The book explores sacrifices by characters like Jeremiah, impacting Raelynn’s journey.
  • Redemption and Freedom: Sacrifice intertwines with redemption and freedom, as characters grapple with their actions' consequences.

What is the relationship between Raelynn and Leon in Her Soul to Take?

  • Complex Dynamic: Their relationship blends desire, power, and vulnerability, navigating love in a dangerous world.
  • Protective Instincts: Leon’s protectiveness highlights possession themes, as he struggles with his feelings.
  • Mutual Growth: Facing darkness together, both characters grow, confronting fears and desires, forging a deep connection.

What can readers expect from the sequel to Her Soul to Take?

  • Raelynn’s Journey: Expect further exploration of Raelynn’s desires and the consequences of her choices.
  • World Expansion: The sequel will delve deeper into Abelaum’s lore, introducing new characters and threats.
  • Redemption Themes: Themes of redemption and sacrifice will be explored, with higher stakes for Raelynn.

Review Summary

4.07 out of 5
Average of 100k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Her Soul to Take received mostly positive reviews, with readers praising its dark themes, steamy scenes, and engaging plot. Many enjoyed the chemistry between Leon and Rae, though some found Rae's decision-making frustrating. The book's blend of horror, romance, and supernatural elements was well-received, with Leon's character being a particular highlight. Some readers noted the slow start but found the story picked up pace as it progressed. The explicit content and kink elements were appreciated by many, though not all readers connected with the characters or writing style.

Your rating:

About the Author

Harley Laroux is an author of Dark Romance and Erotica, known for crafting steamy stories with dark and kinky themes. They reside in Washington with their husband and three cats, and have a passion for horror films, dry red wines, and writing with candles lit. Laroux is active on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, where they engage with readers and share updates about their work. They have established a reader group called "Wicked Dark Desires" for exclusive content and information about upcoming books. Laroux's writing style is characterized by its explicit nature and exploration of supernatural and horror elements in romantic settings.

Other books by Harley Laroux

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