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Orelus has chosen the storyline of good overcoming evil for her first novel. Her approach to this subject is inspired by the author's Haitian heritage. Black magic and jinnis enter into the tale of a girl from Louth, Ireland, who at the age of seven lost her biological parents but retained the principles of faith she learned. Adopted by a wealthy family, Laoise lived a privileged life from that point on. She soon became used to being chauffeured to the best stores with or without Iezabel, her adoptive and rather controlling mother. Laoise was sent to a prestigious boarding school in France where she was protected from bullying by angels.
After high school graduation, her parents offered her whatever she desired. Laoise wanted to visit Egypt for the summer, insisting to go alone. Her biological mother had been Egyptian. Two significant things happened on that trip. Laoise attended her first séance, until the fortune teller forced her to leave. Later, she met Alsainder, her soul mate. Because this young British soldier was not wealthy, Iezabel refused the couple permission to marry. More over, she threatened dire consequences against Alsainder and his family. Instead, Iezabel encouraged the saddened Laoise to accept a proposal from Matchitehew, a rich doctor who had sold his soul to the devil.
A lovely heroine, intriguing storyline, and high drama make The Soul Hypnotist an admirable first novel. At the same time, the book contains a cast of shallow characters, names inappropriate for the location, and modern clichés in a 1940s setting. There is a missing section after chapter 24, as well as different font sizes on alternating lines within the text. With further effort, this novel can shine to become a book that readers will willing wait to see continued.