Isaac André has always felt like something's off—his memories don’t quite stick, and the world seems full of strange coincidences that feel too intentional to ignore. It’s 1996 in Chicago, and while he's working at a VHS store, saving for a computer, and caring for his grandmother, reality begins to feel like it's unraveling.

Things take a turn when he meets Noa Gayle in an internet chatroom. She's magnetic and oddly familiar, and their connection is instant! As they grow closer, Isaac realizes he might not just be noticing patterns—he might be part of something much bigger. To uncover the truth, he’ll have to chase the mystery of his own life, even if it means confronting things he was never supposed to know.

This is definitely a slow burn . But it’s so interesting and I wanted to understand what was going on so bad that I read it in one sitting ! Definitely worth the read !

Arc review

The story captivates the reader from the first chapter . You’ll love the secondary characters, like Isaac’s grandma. I have to say, chapter 7 blew my mind. I was t expecting that at all! Loved the plot twist .

i didnt know what i was expecting from this. but it went above whatever that was. there was so much obvious meanings and so much that left me coming up with meanings of my own. i like the time this was set in and because of my age it instantly felt familiar and of a time filled with my own connections of the time.but the plot twists and Isaacs own experiences were such a different take on things. the main and side characters were exactly what youd want them to be.

Poetically captured, An Old Soul explores themes of existence, reality, and identity in a way that feels both intimate and mysterious. I really enjoyed the way the story opened—it immediately pulled me in with its atmospheric tone and sense of something deeper at play but I felt that Books 3 and 4 could have been given more time to develop. The world was so intriguing and full of unanswered questions, and while that ambiguity may be part of the novel’s charm, I was left wanting just a bit more from the final chapters.

An Old Soul is a solid debut novel and I enjoyed reading it. The playlist in the beginning was a nice touch and I treated it as the book's soundtrack. Reading about Issac and his grandmother's relationship was heartwarming and the way her cared for her was very sweet. I also enjoyed watching the relationship between Issac and Noa develop and blossom. The plot twist was both interesting and thought provoking. The chapters in this book are on the longer side but fly by. I was able to complete this book in one sitting.

I enjoyed reading this book. The writing is superb, keeping me interested in reading from the first page. The descriptions of Isaac made me feel that he is a friend of mine. The other characters are fully developed, and the reader feels like they’ve known them a while too. Isaac’s grandma is everybody’s grandma, or at least the kind you wish you’d had. And everyone has had coworkers like Isaac has.

I was not expecting the plot twist that happened. I didn’t know why Noa was frequently visiting “home” but I wanted to read more and find out what was behind that. Readers can’t anticipate what is to come, but I excitedly read on, hoping for a happy ending. No spoiler alerts about what actually happens, but I think you’ll enjoy the journey that Kevin Hayden will take you and the characters through.

“This is our world.”

(I’d like to thank Netgalley and the publishers for accepting my request to read this arc in exchange for an honest review ♡)

Firstly, I want to mention that this is a debut book from a debut author and because of that Hayden already has my respect and admiration! This book, especially from a new author, is a great read and I can completely see the potential and promise this author has.

An old soul was a very interesting read for me as there were many elements that had me intrigued and engaged, but there were also many moments where I was beginning to feel a little weary.

This book, without giving any significant spoilers, is a book that explores the human existence and its future together with grief and second chances. Despite these aspects being heavily discussed within literature, the meaning and effects of (specifically) grief isn’t lost, muddled, or forgotten within this book and I really liked Hayden’s take on it. It provided my mind with new dilemmas to feast upon about the ethics of technology, science, mortality, and human consciousness; all things that I wasn’t expecting when I first requested to read this novel.

The first few acts of this book, while having good moments, definitely felt like they dragged for me, which is honestly very unexpected seeing as this novel is under 200 pages long. A lot of the enjoyment issues I had towards the beginning did begin to make sense towards the end (you’ll know what I mean if you read it). Admittedly, the pacing towards the end also felt a little off for me as it strongly juxtaposed the slowness of the start by instead rushing ahead to the end. Additionally, I couldn’t help but feel a lack of connection to the world as none of it is explored in great depth. I do, however, appreciate that this is the author’s debut novella and that there’s only a certain amount of world-building that one can do within these parameters, but I honestly wouldn’t have minded the book being a little longer if it meant that I got better pacing and more important, immersive detail about the world, society, technology, government, culture, etc.

Despite this, I did really enjoy the 1990’s environment that the novel explored, as well as the side characters. I’ve had issues with side characters in the past because they felt like they lacked any significance/meaning, but these characters felt as though they had their own roles within Isaac’s life, roles that ultimately helped bring the storyline together.

The relationship between Isaac and Noa was very sweet and fun to read. I loved the way they immediately clicked and understood one another on this deep, intrinsic level. I wouldn’t say they were my favourite aspect of this book, but they definitely added to its charm. I loved the mystery that Noa had as it kept me intrigued and guessing. My theories were unfortunately a little off, but I also wasn’t too off the mark!

Ultimately, this was an enjoyable, short-read that definitely had its charms. It’s a great piece of work by a debut author and I can’t wait to see where Hayden goes next!

(Also, the afterword at the very end was incredibly sweet and I loved the amount of respect and gratitude that Hayden showed to women, especially the women in his own life.)

After finally buying his first personal computer, Isaac André is pulled into the strange, buzzing world of dial-up internet—chat rooms, screeching modems, and early digital wonder. It’s in one of these chat rooms that he meets BirdGurl9—Noa Gayle. Their connection is immediate, deep, and uncanny. When they meet in person, it’s as if their bond was written in the stars. But something about Noa doesn’t quite add up. Or maybe... It’s Isaac. He’s always felt out of place in the world, unable to explain why.

What follows is a genre-bending blend of love story and metaphysical exploration. The writing is rich and immersive—I could feel the thick summer air of 1996 Chicago, hear the click of VHS tapes, and almost smell the static of old electronics. As someone who rarely reaches for sci-fi or fantasy, I was surprised by how deeply this story pulled me in. The emotional vulnerability of the characters, especially Isaac and Noa, is what kept me turning pages.

At its core, this is a romance, wrapped in the skin of sci-fi. Noa’s love for Isaac runs so deep it seems to bend time, space, and even reality. Their relationship is haunting, tender, and unlike anything I’ve read. There’s a haunting sweetness to their connection, one that kept me emotionally hooked even when some of the plot’s more complex layers (like all the GAIA, SOMA, NP, and AGI talk) became difficult to follow. I didn’t always fully grasp the technical framework, but the emotional resonance was clear and compelling.

Some moments dragged a bit, particularly for me, in the second act. A long scene involving a trash chute fall felt overly detailed and slowed the momentum. I also would’ve loved a bit more clarity on certain subplots—like the conflict between Carolyn and Jace Faber, which felt underdeveloped or unresolved.

Still, An Old Soul is a nostalgic, heartfelt, and genuinely original novel. It's romantic, strange, and soaked in 90s charm. At just over 200 pages, it’s a quick but memorable read—perfect for a weekend trip or a long flight. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for something different: a story that explores love, identity, and the uncanny way technology connects (and divides) us.

Thank you to NetGalley and Muse Of The Moon Books for providing me a copy of this book for my honest review.

This book starts with a music playlist that you can listen to while reading. I love that this is something that is becoming common among authors because it helps you get into the story.

This story follows Isaac as he goes through life. Right away I was intrigued with this story. There were so many things that just didn’t seem right with people Isaac came into contact with. Things always seem to work out for him. Was it just good luck or something else going on? Noa was a mystery and I just knew that she was using him. I couldn’t figure out if Isaac was forgetful or if she was hiding secrets. Then came the plot twist that I did not see coming.

This story is definitely a slow burn that takes its time building this world around Isaac. You have to pay attention to the details because they make you think. I really enjoyed this story and I am surprised that this is a debut novel Hayden. The Afterword was so beautiful. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this author.

An Old Soul by M. Kevin Hayden

Something is not quite right in Isaac’s life—the lingering feeling of not fitting in, a childhood filled with uncertainty. This is different, however; Isaac is an adult dealing with a sneaking hunch that he was born in the wrong era. Chicago, 1996: Isaac should be out picking up girls with his cousin in the summer heat. Should be…. Instead, he loves to paint, listen to jazz, and look after his elderly grandmother. Isaac might be better described as an introvert. Saving his pennies, he invests in his future and buys a computer. The chat rooms come calling upon firing up the PC, and soon he is chatting with a girl named Noa into the wee hours of the night. This is where M. Kevin Hayden, our author, drops readers into an interesting love story about future times and what a person is willing to do for love.

Futuristic love. Finding our person, that one single being who connects with us. Striking up an anonymous conversation with hopes of love and trepidations of a dreaded catfishing. An Old Soul is a standard affair in warmth and intimacy. Young people find love, like-mindedness, and security in a world where they might feel different. Passionate in its delivery, the book delivers a nostalgic feel as we visit a time where the internet is brand new and a VHS store becomes a destination. The author reminds the reader of dial-up connections and weekly visits to Blockbuster, certainly resonating with people who lived through the era.

I found myself thinking, where is the sci-fi element? The cover, in all its 16-bit glory, suggests as much. The blossoming relationship between Isaac and Noa seems perfect. Perhaps overly ideal. Isaac is left to wonder, what is Noa hiding? We are led down a journey of hoping Isaac has stumbled upon the woman he has been searching for, and yet there are so many questions as to how and why. Noa is mysterious and seems to know more about Isaac than he knows about himself. Of course, when one spends enough time with a significant other, this becomes natural, and yet in this case, it has happened so quickly.

As I rock-climbed the wall of passion, my feet dangled into the unknown. Looking down, I understood the magnitude of a misstep. I was over halfway up the rockface and yet to see the answers. Then it happened. A bombshell drops, leaving me stunned. The seeds had been planted and nurtured through my reading; I saw them, and yet I was unprepared for them to sprout and tell their truths. Connecting the proverbial dots, it all made sense. I had crafted my theories and double-checked my work. I was only partly correct. My ego dwindled, and with a solemn nod of my head, I saluted the author.

Steam rose from this volcanic relationship. Intensity oozed with reckless abandon, snaking its way down a fabricated landscape. Until reaching the bottom, where waves from the ocean cooled the fire and also my thoughts. As my hands clasped behind my head, I felt content. Not a perfect novel, as the love story is a bit drawn out for my liking. Nevertheless, it was entertaining, enigmatic, and had a compelling conclusion. I am giving this 4 out of 5 stars! Recommended for those who love a modern scientific love story.

Many thanks to Muse of the Moon Books for the ARC through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion.

An Old Soul is a well-written, immersive read with prose that flows beautifully. I was particularly drawn in by the vivid depiction of the 90s in the opening chapters — it stirred a real sense of nostalgia. While marketed as science fiction, the book leans more heavily into literary fiction. The speculative elements are minimal and come in quite late, which may not meet the expectations of a typical sci-fi reader.

I found it a bit difficult to connect with the characters on a deeper level, but Kevin’s creativity in weaving the storyline kept me engaged. At its core, An Old Soul is a reflective exploration of grief and the human longing for belonging — themes that resonate deeply, even if the execution felt a little uneven.

“People can be strange… but maybe this is all normal, and I’m the strange one.”

I love that this is titled An Old Soul because it has such an old, nostalgic feel. Reading this took me back to my childhood: when Blockbuster & Hollywood Video was a thing, VHS tapes, my first time using a computer, dial up internet, AOL chat rooms!! I felt completely immersed in the vividly drawn setting; Chicago, 1996…the sweltering heat of summer.

Twenty-five year old Isaac Andre feels like a stranger in his own life. His memories are slipping through his fingers in ways he can’t understand and the world seems full of strange coincidences that feel too intentional to ignore. Does Isaac have a string of good luck or is someone or something pulling the strings? After buying a computer with his hard earned money from the video store, Isaac logs into a chat room where he connects with the mysterious Noa Gayle, a girl that seems to get it. Noa is the only one that seems to get him. But why?

“Wherever your world is, so will mine be.”

In under 200 pages, Kevin Hayden explores themes of grief, human connection, identity, belonging, and the profound impact of love. I loved Isaac’s old soul and the relationships he had with the people in his world: Noa, his grandma, the guys at the barbershop, the people he worked with, and his cousin Pete. This is one of those books that you find more meaning in after you sit with it awhile. Isaac and Noa will sit with me awhile. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley, Kevin Hayden, and Muse of the Moon Books for the early opportunity to dive into Isaac’s world.

Set against the analog hum of 1996 Chicago, this atmospheric novel is a spellbinding blend of techno-paranoia, retro internet nostalgia, and profoundly human yearning. At its center is Isaac André, a quietly adrift 25-year-old whose sense of dislocation feels eerily familiar—until his world starts to echo back. Subtle coincidences, a persistent sense of being watched, and a growing awareness of something… more nudge him toward a digital destiny.

When Isaac logs into The Grassy Knoll chatroom, the story pivots from eerie realism into a low-key cyber-mystic romance. His connection with Noa Gayle—alias BirdGurl9—is electric, grounded in mutual obsessions with sci-fi, conspiracy theory, and the metaphysical weight of being alive in the “future.” Their exchanges are flirtatious, cerebral, and tinged with the bittersweet intimacy of two lost souls syncing across wavelengths.

But as their bond tightens, the narrative cleverly coils into deeper psychological and emotional territory. Secrets emerge, and doubt creeps in. Is their connection predestined or programmed?

Haunting, nostalgic, and quietly thrilling—this book is a beautifully rendered meditation on virtual and deeply human connection.

The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was an interesting one! From the very beginning, I found myself thinking, “What’s going on?” The direction of the story was unclear at first, and while that made me a little uncomfortable, I ultimately appreciated the ambiguity. It made this book a true mystery because there was never really a time when I could confidently say, “I know exactly what is going to happen.”

As I kept reading, the story kept my mind turning. I was constantly trying to pick up on clues to figure out what was going on, and I appreciated that sense of engagement. In addition, the songs mentioned throughout the book helped establish a mood for the story and, in a way, made me feel more connected to it.

That said, the beginning did feel a bit slow. However, I understand that in order to fully grasp the story, we needed to go through some detail-oriented world-building. I would have liked to see a more balanced approach to the character perspectives. While we did get some sprinkles of Noa’s point of view, the book felt a little unbalanced, with about 75 percent from Isaac’s perspective and only 25 percent from Noa’s. This imbalance made parts of the story feel a bit confusing and, at times, like two isolated events and not one central story.

On a positive note, the level of detail throughout the book was impressive. It helped me clearly visualize the scenes and almost placed me right in the world of Isaac and Noa.

Overall, I would recommend this book to fans of science fiction, mystery, romance, or anyone who is up for a fun and engaging read.

Fueled primarily by glowing reviews from other NetGalley users, I had high hopes for this work. Detailed world-building? Check. 1990s nostalgia? Check. An uncanny sense that's something not quite right? Check. I loved being immersed in Isaac's life in late 1990s Chicago; the details are such that I really felt that I was just walking alongside the characters. However, I would've appreciated it if more of Noa's world were woven into the rest of the story and certainly, if we knew more about Noa herself. Of course, we see Noa through Isaac's eyes, as an overly idealized woman (I guess that's how the first flush of limerence works?). Disappointingly, for this reader, Noa's individual agency is only demonstrated in an ending that feels rushed. Still, I did it read it in one sitting, and I enjoyed it, for the most part. I *would* read a standalone work of Noa's own adventures, or a story how the couple moves forward in a different setting.

I think we've all learned that can, in fact, judge a book by its cover and in this case, you should: there are subtle clues there that make more sense by the end of the book. Further, upon opening the book, we are gifted with a soundtrack-an eclectic collection of songs which feels like something your cool Uncle would put you on to (if that cool Uncle was Questlove). And then we begin to read and are transported back to the 1990s. I was in high school in the 1990s and I appreciated the invitation to time travel back to the time of my youth. Whilst there, in the time of dial up, I recalled a time where humans interacted with media and each other differently. It is in those interactions that a mystery develops. Like all good sci-fi, there is a modern truth in the landscape of this book that will make interesting conversations in a multi-generational reading group. I would recommend this for groups of 16 and up and can envision lots of themed activities surrounding this book. To be fair, there were glitches in the matrix: sometimes the story felt repetitive or dragged, but I can't say that that wasn't the point- remember what dial up was like?

(ARC read. Thanking NetGalley and the Musw of The Moon Books for the opportunity to read and review this book)


An Old Soul by M. Kevin Hayden is a sweet and engaging short romance that's a promising debut. The writing is warm and inviting, and I loved the suggested music playlist - it helped set the mood.
My only critique is that the beginning was a bit slow to get going.
Overall, it's a charming read that I'm excited to see more from this author. I'd definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a nice, quick feel-good read.

I think for a debut novel this story has so much potential and I really enjoyed the writing style. It was overall more romance then sci fi but for me that’s not necessarily a bad thing I do wish there were more sci fi elements though. Overall this was a really pleasant reading experience and still a new concept to me that I haven’t seen. Awesome debut novel!!!

Interesting concept, but felt a lot like a mash-up of concepts from sci-fi and dystopian films, including "The Matrix" series, "Transcendence", and more...which is not a criticism , because the genre is just so full of good stories that it's hard to imagine someone coming up with something totally original. The book is deep in imagery, though several phrases or words were repeated so often they stood out and I wondered whether alternates could have been found. At times, it felt like there was too much description and not enough story, particularly because the ending felt quite rushed (as compared to the slow build-up before). Nevertheless, a promising debut, and I would be interested to see how the author grows over time with future novels.

This book is all about finding your person, that special someone who just gets you. It's set in a time when the internet was brand new dial-up, Blockbuster, VHS tapes so it's super nostalgic. The story follows Isaac and Noa, and their connection is intense, but there's a mystery surrounding Noa that keeps you guessing. It's a sweet, romantic story. thanks to Muse of the Moon Books and NetGalley for this ARC .This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

An Old Soul is the debut novel of M. Kevin Hayden, and I think the author did a great job, especially for a first novel. The story follows Isaac, a 25 year old living in 1990s Chicago, who feels like a stranger in his own life. I’m sure we’ve all felt that way at some point.

After buying a computer, Isaac starts chatting online with Noa, and they fall in love but Noa has some secrets of her own.

I liked the book. The first half, which focused on the romance, was really engaging. I found the moments between Isaac and Noa really cute in how they seemed to just "click". If only romance was so simple.

Unfortunately, as the story progressed, it started to drag a bit. Given the book’s short length, I was concerned that the sci-fi portion would feel rushed and it did.

The speculative elements felt underdeveloped, and I found it difficult to connect with the world the author was trying to build. That said, I appreciate the ambition it takes to attempt world building in such a short book.

Overall, I enjoyed An Old Soul and would recommend it to anyone looking for a short romantic read with a touch of mystery.

The premise of the book really caught my attention and I loved the idea behind the story. I could tell the author put a lot of thought into the world-building, and Noa’s character added a nice spark to the plot. I definitely felt more invested once she was introduced. Her and Isaac’s relationship was incredibly sweet and I loved how the author navigated their dynamic together. I also love the cover, it was eye catching and definitely piqued my interest.

That said, the first half of the book felt a bit slow and I felt it hard to connect with the characters at times. The pacing picked up with Noa, but then lost steam again towards the end. The plot was a bit confusing in certain places. Some sections were overly detailed while others felt too vague for me to fully understand or enjoy.

I think this was a solid read with a lot of potential and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

An Old Soul is a strong debut that I really enjoyed. The opening playlist was a nice touch and added to the reading experience. Issac’s relationship with his grandmother was heartwarming, and his care for her was genuinely sweet. I also loved seeing his connection with Noa grow. The plot twist was unexpected and thought-provoking. A solid first novel! Thank you to NetGalley and Muse Of The Moon Books for the ARC.

An Old Soul by M. Kevin Hayden is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant mystery that treads the line between science fiction and literary fiction, exploring memory, identity, and the longing for connection in a world that often feels just out of reach.

Set against the backdrop of 1996 Chicago, the book follows Isaac André, a twenty-five-year-old VHS store employee who can't shake the feeling that something in his life isn’t quite right. When he buys his first computer and joins a conspiracy-laden internet chatroom, he connects with Noa Gayle, a woman as enigmatic as she is familiar. Their shared love of sci-fi and their eerie, magnetic connection lay the foundation for a story that grows ever more complex as secrets unravel and reality begins to bend.

Hayden handles the speculative elements with subtlety, allowing the mystery of who Noa really is — and what Isaac’s role might be in the strange synchrony of events — to build slowly. The atmosphere is suffused with nostalgia, but it never feels indulgent. Instead, it serves as a counterpoint to the uncanny turns the narrative takes, adding emotional weight to the central question: what if we never truly lose the ones we love, just experience them in ways we don't yet understand?

With prose that is both poetic and accessible, Hayden delivers a story that lingers long after the final page. An Old Soul is a captivating meditation on time, grief, and fate — a book for readers who enjoy their mysteries with heart, and their love stories with a twist of the extraordinary.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

This book follows the life of a twenty-two year old.And his name is Issac he decides to save up. For this computer so that he can chat with people. When Issac gets the computer. He meets Noa and him in her hit it off. Throughout this book the reader will see .How much Noa and Issac connect on a deeper level. As the story begins to progress we the readers see that Miss Noa has some secrets.

You’re familiar with the concept of “uncanny valley”? The idea that when we encounter something almost-but-not-quite human—certain animation styles, or CGI, for instance—it can cause an underlying sense of unease.

That sense of unsettledness permeates this book—and that’s totally by design! This debut novel is intricately detailed—say, laying out the precise layout of the kitchen, with such attentive descriptions that I should be able to visualize it exactly....yet, there’s an almost ominous feeling that something is just not quite right.

That’s the sense that 25-year-old Isaac Andre, our titular “Old Soul,” has carried with him throughout his life. His life is marked by what he terms “synchronicity”— public transport appearing on command; inexplicably timed music forming a perfect soundtrack to his life, hazy familiarity— and yet, he can’t fully shake this lingering sense that he doesn’t quite fit, can’t quite connect, is somehow, eerily wrong.

That all changes—and accelerates—when a chatroom connects him with a seems-too-good-to-be-true beauty that just may be the “Her” he has sought for so long…..


Some observations:
—Major bonus points for opening this with a QR code linking to a coordinating playlist—such a creative touch, especially with the way specific song titles are referenced throughout the book.
—Isaac’s relationship with his grandma is really special.
—I noticed that the author frequently employs a style of contradiction —“A although B”, “C despite D”, “X even with Y,” etc. I couldn’t help wondering if that’s just a matter of style, or was a conscious choice to reflect the themes of paradox, destiny, encoding, fate??
—It may be worth noting that the first half is heavily weighted toward Romance, with the speculative fiction aspects coming primarily in the later portion of the narrative.

Having been labeled an old soul myself (as I imagine many of us bookish folk have), I went in to this with certain notions, and it turns out I was in for a completely different ride than I was expecting! This is outside my usual genre but was a quick and intriguing read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Muse of the Moon publishing for allowing me to read this book, and congratulations to Mr. Hayden on his debut!

An Old Soul is more than just a book title, but a play on words. A phrase that we've all heard before, is now a guiding light for our subconscious. This light helps us know where we are going as we enter Isaac's world. As we are exposed to 1996 Chicago, the vibes, the feels, the MUSIC, and the commercial jingles we all know - predicting a feeling of nostalgia for GenXer's. This book has it all, a budding love, exploration, angst, tenderness! Trust me, these characters learning to appreciate each other will have you 'kicking your feet like a school girl..' When the story shifts from "Save the Last Dance" to "Total Recall" the pace quickens, and you'll want to try and keep up. Emotions run high in the 2nd half so hang in there. Great first offering from this debut author. Extra star for the great music file that accommodates the book.