My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, & Jodi Meadows - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: My Lady Jane
Authors: Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, & Jodi Meadows
Release Date: June 7, 2016

Synopsis: The comical, fantastical, romantical, (not) entirely true story of Lady Jane Grey. In My Lady Jane, coauthors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows have created a one-of-a-kind fantasy in the tradition of The Princess Bride, featuring a reluctant king, an even more reluctant queen, a noble steed, and only a passing resemblance to actual history—because sometimes history needs a little help.

At sixteen, Lady Jane Grey is about to be married off to a stranger and caught up in a conspiracy to rob her cousin, King Edward, of his throne. But those trifling problems aren’t for Jane to worry about. Jane gets to be Queen of England.

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Review: I am a big fan of Jodi Meadows's books. The Newsoul series and the Orphan Queen duology are two of my favorite YA fantasy series. She is just one of the three great authors that brought this book together. I've only read one of Brodi Ashton's books and have yet to read one of Cynthia Hand's.

This book is a comedy. I think it may be one of the only funny YA fantasies I have read. Usually YA fantasies are quite dark. This book has all the elements of a normal YA fantasy, but with added humor and a lighter voice. The style reminds me of that of The Princess Bride, which I have not read but I have seen multiple times. It is written with modern awareness. I liked seeing feminist ideals in a historical context. 

The way this book is written feels like a few friends telling each other a story. It has a casual vibe to it. The authors pop in to clarify or add remarks throughout the book. 

This book not only has magic. But animal magic! As in, some people can turn into animals. I definitely got Animorphs flashbacks during a few scenes. I like how the different animal forms are utilized. Definitely a cool magic system. 

I was not that familiar with the actual historical event this book is based on, but I'm sure those knowledgeable in the matter will enjoy this book even more. The authors take history and add magic. And they might just change the ending. 

There is romance in this book and it is done well. I found it interesting. The relationships change throughout the book. 

There were parts of this book that just could not hold my attention. But, a few slow bits did not ruin the book. I give this book a 4/5. I recommend it to fans of stories based on history with an added magical twist.  


--PAUL

The Mirror King (The Orphan Queen #2) by Jodi Meadows - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Katherine Tegen Books via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: The Mirror King (The Orphan Queen #2)
Author: Jodi Meadows

Paul's Review of THE ORPHAN QUEEN

Recent Release Date: April 5, 2016


Synopsis: Wilhelmina has a hundred enemies.

HER FRIENDS HAVE TURNED. After her identity is revealed during the Inundation, Princess Wilhelmina is kept prisoner by the Indigo Kingdom, with the Ospreys lost somewhere in the devastated city. When the Ospreys’ leader emerges at the worst possible moment, leaving Wil’s biggest ally on his deathbed, she must become Black Knife to set things right. 

HER MAGIC IS UNCONTROLLABLE. Wil’s power is to animate, not to give true life, but in the wraithland she commanded a cloud of wraith mist to save herself, and later ordered it solid. Now there is a living boy made of wraith—destructive and deadly, and willing to do anything for her.

HER HEART IS TORN. Though she’s ready for her crown, declaring herself queen means war. Caught between what she wants and what is right, Wilhelmina realizes the throne might not even matter. Everyone thought the wraith was years off, but already it’s destroying Indigo Kingdom villages. If she can’t protect both kingdoms, soon there won’t be a land to rule.

In this stunning conclusion to THE ORPHAN QUEEN, Jodi Meadows follows Wilhelmina’s breathtaking and brave journey from orphaned criminal on the streets to magic-wielding queen.

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Review: This book is so much more complex than its processor, The Orphan Queen. The first book in this duology is a fun fantasy. There are plenty of disguises, an interesting magical world, and royal intrigue. The Mirror King bring up deeper questions of humanity. It addresses the consequences of actions. Privilege is shown in Prince Colin's life versus Wil's orphan upbringing. The book deals with assault and its lasting effects. The book deals with the effects of so many things and how they must be considered from the start. 

Magic can be seen as a metaphor for technology in this book. It can solve problems and progress society forward, but there is also negative lasting impact on the world if not used properly. 

Self hatred is another topic addressed in this book. Hating others for something you are as well. 

The power of making choices and what it means to be alive. Being able to change your future, no matter where you come from. Or what you are.

I feel like I could go on and on about how this book is addressing real life situations and problems in the current world, but I'll just move on to the fun stuff. There are enchanted notebooks in this book that act as magic texting! I love how handwriting becomes such a big symbol.

After reading the novellas, it was nice to be back in Wilhelmina's head. There are so many great twists in this book. I loved them all! This book is definitely more complex than the first, but in a wonderful way. This was a strong end to this short series. I give it a 5/5 and highly recommend this duology(plus the novellas)! I can't wait to see what Jodi Meadows comes up with next. Her brain is full of such fantastical things. 


--PAUL

The Black Knife (The Orphan Queen #0.4 novella) by Jodi Meadows - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: The Black Knife (The Orphan Queen #0.4)
Author: Jodi Meadows

Paul's Review of THE ORPHAN QUEEN

Recent Release Date: March 1, 2016


Synopsis: Skyvale is on the verge of becoming a battleground. Told from the perspective of Tobiah, the crown prince with a dangerous secret, and set two years before the heart-racing action of The Orphan Queen, this 100-page digital novella brings to life one of Jodi Meadows’s most beloved characters.

Tobiah Pierce has been beaten and broken and has lost two people he cares about. His worst enemy knows his deepest secret. What he thought he knew about his family has fallen apart. And his parents push harder than ever for him to court Lady Meredith. But with the imminent threat of firefly, the newest and deadliest version of a magical drug, Tobiah doesn’t have time to sort through his problems. If he doesn’t act immediately, firefly will suffocate the city and everyone in it.

The Black Knife is the final of four prequel novellas that offer existing fans a deeper insight into a favorite character and the complex city of Skyvale, while new readers will find a stunning introduction to this rich world and the heart-pounding fantasy of the Orphan Queen series

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Review: I really enjoy when YA series include novellas between the releases of their books. It ties the reader over and allows them to keep in the world of the series. These novellas focus on Tobiah and are prequels to the series. 

This is the final novella. The effects of the end of the last novel propel the action forward. Tobiah finally has a name for his vigilante persona. This novella is a nice conclusion. These three novellas really make a prequel novel in itself. I give this novella a 5/5.


--PAUL

The Burning Hand (The Orphan Queen #0.3 novella) by Jodi Meadows - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: The Burning Hand (The Orphan Queen #0.3)
Author: Jodi Meadows

Paul's Review of THE ORPHAN QUEEN

Recent Release Date: December 1, 2015


Synopsis: The city of Skyvale's problems have reached the palace. Told from the perspective of Tobiah, the crown prince with a dangerous secret, and set two years before the heart-racing action of The Orphan Queen, this 100-page digital novella brings to life one of Jodi Meadows's most beloved characters.

Tobiah Pierce is no longer simply a prince. He wanted to be more and do more after he watched his tutor's brutal murder and uncovered a plot that threatens the safety of Skyvale. With the help of his cousin, James, and the guidance of a girl who knows her way around the city's rooftops, Tobiah is gaining confidence in his new role. He can no longer be just a witness to the evils occurring in his city, but is he willing to risk his reputation—and maybe even his life—to make things right?

The Burning Hand is the third of four prequel novellas that offer existing fans a deeper insight into a favorite character and the complex city of Skyvale, while new readers will find a stunning introduction to this rich world and the heart-pounding fantasy of the Orphan Queen series.

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Review: I really enjoy when YA series include novellas between the releases of their books. It ties the reader over and allows them to keep in the world of the series. These novellas focus on Tobiah and are prequels to the series. 

James takes on a little more of a focus in this novella. Tobiah is still learning how to operate as a vigilante. He tries to balance being the Black Knife and his responsibilities as an heir. I give this novella a 5/5.


--PAUL

The Glowing Knight(The Orphan Queen #0.2 novella) by Jodi Meadows - Paul's Review

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Title: The Glowing Knight (The Orphan Queen #0.2)
Author: Jodi Meadows

Paul's Review of THE ORPHAN QUEEN

Recent Release Date: September 1, 2015


Synopsis: Skyvale faces problems worse than anyone realizes. Secrets are building. Enemies are everywhere. Told from the perspective of Tobiah, the crown prince with a dangerous secret, and set two years before the heart-racing action of The Orphan Queen, this 100-page digital novella brings to life one of Jodi Meadows's most beloved characters.

Tobiah Pierce is ready to break free of his princely role—he's sick of the bodyguards that always trail him and is uncertain about the new girl at court, Meredith Corcoran, who his parents keep pushing toward him. When Tobiah's beloved tutor seems to be embroiled in a dangerous situation deep within the city, Tobiah jumps on the opportunity to throw off the royal restrictions and chase after him. But what happens in the narrow alleys and shadowy corners proves he doesn't know anything about the people he cares about—or the city he must one day rule.

The Glowing Knight is the second of four prequel novellas that offer existing fans a deeper insight into a favorite character and the complex city of Skyvale, while new readers will find a stunning introduction to this rich world and the heart-pounding fantasy of the Orphan Queen series.

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Review: I really enjoy when YA series include novellas between the releases of their books. It ties the reader over and allows them to keep in the world of the series. These novellas focus on Tobiah and are prequels to the series. 

This first novella shows Tobiah's first time putting on the mask. His persona of Black Knife is only beginning to form. I liked seeing the world from his perspective. It's cool to see the set-up for where we first see Tobiah in The Orphan Queen. I give this novella a 5/5.


--PAUL

The Hidden Prince (The Orphan Queen #0.1 novella) by Jodi Meadows - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: The Hidden Prince (The Orphan Queen #0.1)
Author: Jodi Meadows

Paul's Review of THE ORPHAN QUEEN

Recent Release Date: June 2, 2015


Synopsis: The city of Skyvale is in trouble. Magic use is rampant. Crime is spreading. Told from the perspective of Tobiah, the crown prince with a dangerous secret, and set two years before the heart-racing action of The Orphan Queen, this 100-page digital novella brings to life one of Jodi Meadows's most beloved characters.

Tobiah Pierce knows he is a spoiled, sheltered prince, and he's tired of it. His only chance for freedom is if his cousin, James Rayner, passes the trials to be one of his bodyguards. But when Tobiah takes a rare opportunity to escape a courtly celebration and he witnesses a horrible—and magical—crime, he must make a momentous decision: return to the ignorance and comfort of the palace, or risk everything to discover the truth?

The Hidden Prince is the first of four prequel novellas that offer existing fans a deeper insight into a favorite character and the complex city of Skyvale, while new readers will find a stunning introduction to this rich world and the heart-pounding fantasy of the Orphan Queen series.

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Review: I am a big fan of Jodi Meadows and both of her series. This is the first novella that accompanies this duology. It is from Tobiah's perspective and takes place two years before The Orphan Queen. Tobiah is not the confident prince with a certain perception of him known throughout the kingdom. Other characters from Skyvale also obviously are featured. I'm really interested in the character of James, especially after the ending of The Orphan Queen. I'm hoping to find hints in these novellas about what he's hiding. 

Since this is only the first of the 4 novellas, the prequel story has only started. It seems like these novellas all put together is a prequel book itself. 

I read this novella in one sitting. I loved being back in the world. I also enjoyed seeing more of the everyday happenings of the royals in Skyvale. 

I give this novella a 5/5 and can't wait for the next one! If you haven't read any of Meadows's books, what is wrong with you!!?!??!?!?! Go buy Incarnate right now!

--PAUL

The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows - Paul's Review

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Title: The Orphan Queen
Author: Jodi Meadows

Paul's Pre Reading

Recent Release Date: March 10, 2015

Synopsis: Wilhelmina has a hundred identities.

She is a princess. When the Indigo Kingdom conquered her homeland, Wilhelmina and other orphaned children of nobility were taken to Skyvale, the Indigo Kingdom’s capital. Ten years later, they are the Ospreys, experts at stealth and theft. With them, Wilhelmina means to take back her throne.

She is a spy. Wil and her best friend, Melanie, infiltrate Skyvale Palace to study their foes. They assume the identities of nobles from a wraith-fallen kingdom, but enemies fill the palace, and Melanie’s behavior grows suspicious. With Osprey missions becoming increasingly dangerous and their leader more unstable, Wil can’t trust anyone.

She is a threat. Wraith is the toxic by-product of magic, and for a century using magic has been forbidden. Still the wraith pours across the continent, reshaping the land and animals into fresh horrors. Soon it will reach the Indigo Kingdom. Wilhelmina’s magic might be the key to stopping the wraith, but if the vigilante Black Knife discovers Wil’s magic, she will vanish like all the others

Jodi Meadows introduces a vivid new fantasy full of intrigue, romance, dangerous magic, and one girl’s battle to reclaim her place in the world.

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Review: Jodi Meadows has such a fantastic imagination. I absolutely loved her New Soul trilogy. With this duology, Meadows has a more traditional fantasy tale. In this fantasy world, a mysterious dark wave is overtaking the nation. Magic seems to be the cause, so it has been outlawed throughout most kingdoms. A survivor goes undercover to try and take back her kingdom. And there's an awesome vigilante with a mysterious past.  

Masks and charades are at the center of this novel. I loved the way there are so many levels to some of the characters. I am very much looking forward to the novellas coming up that I'm sure will add more depth to some of the side characters. I want to know more about James!

The way Meadows describes the Wraithland is so captivating. I could clearly picture its eeriness. It reminded me of the sylphs from the New Soul trilogy.

The end was a such a cliffhanger. Those novellas and the sequel need to come out soon!

I really enjoyed this book. It is a simple, fun fantasy with interesting disguises and false identities that takes place in a magically well built world. I give it a 5/5! 




--PAUL

The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows - Paul's Pre Reading

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Title: The Orphan Queen
Author: Jodi Meadows

Recent Release Date: March 10, 2015

Synopsis: Wilhelmina has a hundred identities.

She is a princess. When the Indigo Kingdom conquered her homeland, Wilhelmina and other orphaned children of nobility were taken to Skyvale, the Indigo Kingdom’s capital. Ten years later, they are the Ospreys, experts at stealth and theft. With them, Wilhelmina means to take back her throne.

She is a spy. Wil and her best friend, Melanie, infiltrate Skyvale Palace to study their foes. They assume the identities of nobles from a wraith-fallen kingdom, but enemies fill the palace, and Melanie’s behavior grows suspicious. With Osprey missions becoming increasingly dangerous and their leader more unstable, Wil can’t trust anyone.

She is a threat. Wraith is the toxic by-product of magic, and for a century using magic has been forbidden. Still the wraith pours across the continent, reshaping the land and animals into fresh horrors. Soon it will reach the Indigo Kingdom. Wilhelmina’s magic might be the key to stopping the wraith, but if the vigilante Black Knife discovers Wil’s magic, she will vanish like all the others

Jodi Meadows introduces a vivid new fantasy full of intrigue, romance, dangerous magic, and one girl’s battle to reclaim her place in the world.

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Why?: I really enjoyed Jodi Meadows's first series. Her worldbuilding was awesome. And I really enjoyed the characters. This book seems more high fantasy than fantasy/sci-fi blend. I have followed Meadows on social media as she has been writing this book. I'm intrigued by how calligraphy will come into play. 

I'm excited to see a new world with a new magic system. Even if this wasn't by one of my favorite current YA authors, a princess with magic going undercover as a spy sounds interesting enough.

Expectations: I'm expecting awesome world building. Awesome magic. And awesome characters.  

Judging a book by its cover: I love the cover. I like the way the O and Q intermingle. The cool colors of the cover matched with the caped figure add an air of mystique to the cover. I'm intrigued. 


--PAUL

Infinite (Newsoul #3) by Jodi Meadows - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Infinite (Newsoul #3)
Author: Jodi Meadows
Year Published: 2014

My REVIEW of Incarnate(#1)
My REVIEW of Asunder(#2)
My REVIEW of Phoenix Overture (#2.5)
My PRE-READING of Infinite (#3)

Ashley's REVIEW of Incarnate(#1)
Ashley's REVIEW of Asunder(#2)




Synopsis: 
DESTRUCTION
The Year of Souls begins with an earthquake—an alarming rumble from deep within the earth—and it’s only the first of greater dangers to come. The Range caldera is preparing to erupt. Ana knows that as Soul Night approaches, everything near Heart will be at risk.

FLIGHT
Ana’s exile is frightening, but it may also be fortuitous, especially if she can convince her friends to flee Heart and Range with her. They’ll go north, seeking answers and allies to stop Janan’s ascension. And with any luck, the newsouls will be safe from harm’s reach.

CHOICE
The oldsouls might have forgotten the choice they made to give themselves limitless lifetimes, but Ana knows the true cost of reincarnation. What she doesn’t know is whether she’ll have the chance to finish this one sweet life with Sam, especially if she returns to Heart to stop Janan once and for all.

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Review: I have thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy. The Newsoul series is such an amazing amalgamation of sci-fi and fantasy themes. Reincarnation is at the heart of this series and it plays out in such an interesting way. A world of finite souls, reborn each time they die.  It has been two years of reading these books and anxiously awaiting the release of the next. I am definitely looking forward to Jodi Meadows's future works. 

The sci-fi and fantasy world of this series is one of the reasons I've enjoyed it so much. There are laser guns, but also dragons, centaurs, phoenixes, and sylphs. This third book really delves into these mythical and magical creatures. The world is even bigger than this trilogy. There are so many questions I still have about this world and how it came to be. I'm still hoping for that anthology of Sam's dragon deaths. 

The final book in a trilogy always has the difficulty of wrapping up the story. Meadows did an excellent job with this conclusion. Everything came together perfectly. The last chapter was pure perfection! 

There were a few scenes in this book that I found particularly captivating. I wish there was artwork of them. One of those scenes involves a girl playing her flute with some pretty amazing things happening around her. Another was towards the end when something epic goes down.  

The romance in this series is done so well. It is subtle and natural. I really like the evolution of Sam and Ana. Music is also such a big part of this series and it comes into play in a big way in this conclusion. 

I highly recommend this trilogy! It is one of my favorite YA series. If you have not read Incarnate, you should definitely pick it up! If you like completely unique worlds with magic and sci-fi elements you'll love this series! And I also absolutely love how music is used. If you are a musician, especially instrumentalist, you will enjoy these books! I give this third book in an amazing trilogy a 5/5. Go read these books!!!


--PAUL

Infinite (Newsoul #3) by Jodi Meadows - Paul's PRE-READING

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Title: Infinite (Newsoul #3)
Author: Jodi Meadows
Year Published: 2014

My REVIEW of Incarnate(#1)
My REVIEW of Asunder(#2)
My REVIEW of Phoenix Overture (#2.5)

Ashley's REVIEW of Incarnate(#1)
Ashley's REVIEW of Asunder(#2)




Synopsis: 
DESTRUCTION
The Year of Souls begins with an earthquake—an alarming rumble from deep within the earth—and it’s only the first of greater dangers to come. The Range caldera is preparing to erupt. Ana knows that as Soul Night approaches, everything near Heart will be at risk.

FLIGHT
Ana’s exile is frightening, but it may also be fortuitous, especially if she can convince her friends to flee Heart and Range with her. They’ll go north, seeking answers and allies to stop Janan’s ascension. And with any luck, the newsouls will be safe from harm’s reach.

CHOICE
The oldsouls might have forgotten the choice they made to give themselves limitless lifetimes, but Ana knows the true cost of reincarnation. What she doesn’t know is whether she’ll have the chance to finish this one sweet life with Sam, especially if she returns to Heart to stop Janan once and for all.

Why?: I have absolutely loved this series from the start. Jodi Meadows does an excellent job of blending both sci-fi and fantasy as well as romance and mystery. The first two books in this series have been two of my favorite books. I have been so anxious to start this book because I don't want it to end. Thankfully, Meadows is working on another series.  

Expectations: I will admit that my expectations for this novel are extremely high. I am really hoping for a conclusion that brings everything together. I want a perfect ending.  

Judging a book by its cover: I've really liked all these covers. My only concern is that the femininity of them will deter some male readers. I absolutely love them, though. The colors and the mask elements are wonderful. I like that this mask is feathers with flames. 


--PAUL

Phoenix Overture (Newsoul #2.5) by Jodi Meadows - Paul's Review

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Title: Phoenix Overture (Newsoul #2.5)
Author: Jodi Meadows
Year Published: 2013

My REVIEW of Incarnate
My REVIEW of Asunder
Ashley's REVIEW of Incarnate
Ashley's REVIEW of Asunder

Synopsis: This breathtaking and lyrical novella captures a thrilling and momentous decision for a young man and the people he loves. Told from the perspective of Sam, the sensitive musician from Jodi Meadows’s Incarnate series, lifetimes before he meets Ana, Phoenix Overture is a story of love and loss, strength and courage, and facing the consequences of the hardest of decisions.

Phoenix Overture offers existing fans a deeper insight into a favorite character and the intriguing history of Heart, while new readers will find a stunning introduction to this rich world and the romantic, captivating fantasy of the Incarnate series.

In the wilds around the Community where Sam and his family have taken shelter, life is dangerous. Dragons, trolls, centaurs, and other monsters fill the world. The word comes from the council that everyone must leave and journey to rescue their leader, Janan, who has been abducted by a mysterious new enemy in the north. Faced with overwhelming threats that bring death and destruction, Sam and the others reach the northern Range and, reunited with Janan, are given an unimaginable opportunity. Although it would give them the privilege to live and learn and love without fear, the choice is not without its own dire consequences. And lives—though not theirs—are sure to be lost. Just how much are they willing to give up to save themselves?

HarperTeen Impulse is a digital imprint focused on young adult short stories and novellas, with new releases the first Tuesday of each month.


Review: I didn't know what to expect with this novella. I was kind of hoping for a bunch of stories from Sam's perspective of him living and dying as different bodies in different lives. That's not what this story is. It is the story of how everything came to be the way it is. 

The Cataclysm happened two generations ago and there are not many humans alive. They struggle to survive in a strange new world. 

The Sam everyone loves from Incarnate and Asunder is present, just beginning his love of music. Stef also is starting his work as an inventor. 

I liked seeing Sam before everything happened. Reading this made me want to reread the first two books before Infinite's release. There are so many questions I have that I hope are answered in the final book.

If you've read Incarnate and Asunder, you should definitely read this. I still want a novella compiling the dragon deaths of Sam, though. I give this novella a 4/5.

-PAUL

Crewel (Crewel World #1) by Gennifer Albin - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Crewel (Crewel World #1)
Author: Gennifer Albin
Year Published: 2013

My Pre Reading of CREWEL
Ashley's Review of CREWEL

Synopsis: Incapable. Awkward. Artless. 
That’s what the other girls whisper behind her back. But sixteen-year-old Adelice Lewys has a secret: She wants to fail. 

Gifted with the ability to weave time with matter, she’s exactly what the Guild is looking for, and in the world of Arras, being chosen to work the looms is everything a girl could want. It means privilege, eternal beauty, and being something other than a secretary. It also means the power to manipulate the very fabric of reality. But if controlling what people eat, where they live, and how many children they have is the price of having it all, Adelice isn’t interested.

Not that her feelings matter, because she slipped and used her hidden talent for a moment. Now she has one hour to eat her mom’s overcooked pot roast. One hour to listen to her sister’s academy gossip and laugh at her dad’s jokes. One hour to pretend everything’s okay. And one hour to escape.

Because tonight, they’ll come for her.

Review: This book was excellent! I think this is my favorite first book in a series that I have read this year. I don't know why it took me so long to read this. If you, too, are putting off reading this you should reconsider immediately! 

Albin creates such an interesting world. Adelice can manipulate reality. She can see the threads of time and matter that make up the world. There are a group of women that use their powers to make sure the world functions, but this isn't a modern/futuristic gender equal world. Women are oppressed, very similar to the 1950s ideal of a working woman. It is always interesting when authors try to make an ideal future, but it is even more interesting when they make a broken world to address real life nowadays issues. 

Like most amazing worldbuilders, Albin builds this amazing world that we are just starting to understand right before she completely flips it on end. Throughout this book I was questioning what the world really was. I had a few really far out there theories that didn't come true. The last book that I was so intrigued and confused in a good way, trying to figure the world out, was Incarnate by Jodi Meadows. 

Not only is the world amazing, the characters within it are as well. At times I thought the "love triangle" was a little forced, but it wasn't your traditional love triangle. Enora made me feel so many feels. If I hadn't been on the bridge of a boat with many manly men working, I think I would have been balling. I definitely teared up and that doesn't happen often to me with books. 

Overall, I LOVED this book! The imagery is beautiful. The world building is amazing. The characters have depth. I am so excited for the sequel and I hope it gets more hype when it is released. No one should be missing out on this book. I give it a very strong 5/5.

-PAUL

Asunder (Newsoul #2) by Jodi Meadows - Ashley's Review

My Pre-Reading
Paul's Review
Paul's Pre-Reading

Title: Asunder 
Author: Jodi Meadows
Year Published: 2013
 
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Synopsis: DARKSOULS
Ana has always been the only one. Asunder. Apart. But after Templedark, when many residents of Heart were lost forever, some hold Ana responsible for the darksouls–and the newsouls who may be born in their place.

SHADOWS
Many are afraid of Ana’s presence, a constant reminder of unstoppable changes and the unknown. When sylph begin behaving differently toward her and people turn violent, Ana must learn to stand up not only for herself but for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

LOVE
Ana was told that nosouls can’t love. But newsouls? More than anything, she wants to live and love as an equal among the citizens of Heart, but even when Sam professes his deepest feelings, it seems impossible to overcome a lifetime of rejection.

In this second book in the Newsoul trilogy, Ana discovers the truth about reincarnation and will have to find a way to embrace love and make her young life meaningful. Once again, Jodi Meadows explores the extraordinary beauty and shadowed depths of the soul in a story equal parts epic romance and captivating fantasy.


Review: I wish I had reread Incarnate before I started this book. When I started Asunder, I had completely forgotten who some of the characters were, what had happened to them, and pretty much everything except for the really important things. I think I probably would have gotten into this so much quicker and easier if I had remembered what was even going on. That being said, the way that Meadows reminds you what went down last time was done very well. It didn't seem overwhelming or like she was telling you "ok, this this and this happened." It was more Ana remembering. Which is totally believable. 

I loved how music was incorporated into this story again. As a musician, it's always interesting to see how music impacts characters and how much people rely on it. If I were Sam, I would have been absolutely devastated if someone had done to me what they do to him. And then I would probably go on a rampage. I love how Ana goes from listening to music to playing it to composing it, and I'm super jealous that she can pick all of that up so quickly.
Meadows' world building skills are absolutely extraordinary. I mean, I thought I knew a lot about the world by the end of Incarnate. But she just keeps throwing new things at me, and I love all of them. I was really excited when I realized that there would be a lot of sylph in this book as well, because I had so many questions about them at the end of Incarnate. And I was not disappointed at all! I still have questions, but they're new ones. I also really enjoyed how religion and romance are portrayed in this book. Especially when the truth about Janan is revealed. Or part of it, anyway.

Oh, and Cris. I loved Cris and his roses. I don't like Stef as much anymore, but I can understand why she does and says the things she does. But Cris... I wish we had seen more of him!

One of my only gripes about this book was that Ana mentions being "asunder" way too often. By the end, I wanted to take that word and cram it down her throat so many times. I understand it's a big part of Ana and of the story, but good grief. Maybe if the title of the book was something else it wouldn't have bothered me so much, but I like subtler reasons for books being named what they are.

Overall, I would totally recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Incarnate. I would also recommend the series to anyone who enjoys fantasy books filled with romance, mystery, and adventure. A very strong 4/5 on this one! 


--Ashley

Asunder (Newsoul #2) by Jodi Meadows - Ashley's Pre-Reading

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Title: Asunder 
Author: Jodi Meadows
Year Published: 2013

Synopsis: DARKSOULS
Ana has always been the only one. Asunder. Apart. But after Templedark, when many residents of Heart were lost forever, some hold Ana responsible for the darksouls–and the newsouls who may be born in their place.

SHADOWS
Many are afraid of Ana’s presence, a constant reminder of unstoppable changes and the unknown. When sylph begin behaving differently toward her and people turn violent, Ana must learn to stand up not only for herself but for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

LOVE
Ana was told that nosouls can’t love. But newsouls? More than anything, she wants to live and love as an equal among the citizens of Heart, but even when Sam professes his deepest feelings, it seems impossible to overcome a lifetime of rejection.

In this second book in the Newsoul trilogy, Ana discovers the truth about reincarnation and will have to find a way to embrace love and make her young life meaningful. Once again, Jodi Meadows explores the extraordinary beauty and shadowed depths of the soul in a story equal parts epic romance and captivating fantasy.

Why?: I read and loved Incarnate, and so I'm really excited to find out what is in store for Ana and Sam. And what Ana finds out about reincarnation. And I'm so curious about the sylph, I really want to know more about them. 

Expectations: I expect a pretty epic story. Lots of fantastical creatures and idea. And also a mystery that needs to be solved, conflicts to be dealt with, and definitely a lot of romance between Sam and Ana.

Judging a book by its cover: I think the cover is absolutely gorgeous. I would pick this book up off a shelf any day. 


--Ashley

Asunder by Jodi Meadows - Paul's Review

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My ASUNDER pre-reading
My INCARNATE Review

Title: Asunder (Newsoul #2)
Author: Jodi Meadows
Year Published: 2013

Review: Jodi Meadows does an amazing job yet again. The world she has created is so interesting. I love when books present questions and while reading both Incarnate and Asunder, I had so many questions and thoughts on the world. Because of the concluding events of Incarnate, it is unknown whether there will be more Newsouls and whether all those that died are gone forever, Darksouls. What is Janan? And, what are his/its intentions?

One of my favorite new characters was Cris. I like how the people of this world have been both male and female over different lifetimes so same-sex pairings are common place. I like Cris as a gardener and his "blue flowers". 

Music! Meadows writes about music so well. You can really tell she is a musician herself. The way the instruments are described and the details of warming up on arpeggios and scales make it all the more realistic. She even describes the temperature outside changing the pitch of the notes. 

Meadows also does an excellent job in writing romantic scenes. There is one point in the book where there is an almost "intimate" moment and I really liked the way it was written. 

I want more of this world! In Asunder, you learn more about sylphs and phoenixes. I hope in the next book we get to learn more about other creatures, especially dragons and centaurs. I expect we will venture outside of Heart and Range in the conclusion of the trilogy. 

This was an excellent sequel. It is thought provoking, with concepts of reincarnation and love. I give this novel a 5/5! I suggest Incarnate and Asunder to everyone! If you like YA, read it! If you like fantasy, read it! If you like sci-fi, read it! If you like reading, read it!

-PAUL

Asunder by Jodi Meadows - Paul's Pre-Reading

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

My INCARNATE Review

Title: Asunder (Newsoul #2)
Author: Jodi Meadows
Year Published: 2013

Synopsis: 
DARKSOULS
Ana has always been the only one. Asunder. Apart. But after Templedark, when many residents of Heart were lost forever, some hold Ana responsible for the darksouls–and the newsouls who may be born in their place.

SHADOWS
Many are afraid of Ana’s presence, a constant reminder of unstoppable changes and the unknown. When sylph begin behaving differently toward her and people turn violent, Ana must learn to stand up not only for herself but for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

LOVE
Ana was told that nosouls can’t love. But newsouls? More than anything, she wants to live and love as an equal among the citizens of Heart, but even when Sam professes his deepest feelings, it seems impossible to overcome a lifetime of rejection.

In this second book in the Incarnate trilogy, Ana discovers the truth about reincarnation and will have to find a way to embrace love and make her young life meaningful. Once again, Jodi Meadows explores the extraordinary beauty and shadowed depths of the soul in a story equal parts epic romance and captivating fantasy.

Why?: I absolutely LOVED Incarnate! So, of course, I am reading the sequel! Jodi Meadows created such a unique world and I want to know so much more about the world and everything in it!

Expectations: I expect awesomeness. I want more sylphs, dragons, centaurs, and more! I expect to learn more about the world and why it exists/happens/occurs.

Judging a book by its cover: The cover is stunning. I love the colors. It reminds me of Lisa Frank notebooks, which I think represents the world pretty accurately. I image it colorful and magical, but the people within it and the situations are very real and thought provoking. Underneath the cover, the hardback is blue with a rose on it. Maybe the blue roses will come back in this book.

-PAUL

"Simple things are often the most challenging"

In case you missed them: 
Paul's Pre-Reading
Paul's Review
My Pre-Reading

Going into this book, I was expecting a pretty epic self discovery novel. And I wasn't really disappointed. There wasn't as much adventure as I had originally anticipated, but I think there was enough to keep it interesting and keep the story moving along. And plus, any story with dragons and other mythical creatures attacking humans is bound to be pretty awesome!

I really enjoyed that this world has creatures that don't exist in our world. At least in the same capacity. Dragons and centaur roam the wilds, and sylphs are always waiting to attack. Apparently, sylph have no mythological background, and I think it was really nice how Meadows took a relatively unknown, unexplained creature and made it her own. I am curious as to why the dragons attack Heart, and why they seem to hate the temple so much

Speaking of which, I think the temple is ridiculously creepy. I completely agree with Ana on that one. I would not want to go near it, and if I ended up inside of it I would freak out. So kudos to Meadows for describing the temple like that. And the outer walls of everything too. Stone should NOT have a heartbeat...

I thought Ana was written very well, and I liked that (as terrible as this might sound) she didn't have a purpose and was a mistake of no consequence. What does that mean for her future? Will Janan reincarnate her? I'm excited for the rest of the book to find out if these and other questions will be answered.

I also loved Sam. I saw that romance coming, but I was very glad that it wasn't forced. It almost reminded me a little bit of the romance between Amy and Elder in Across the Universe, only Ana was not against loving Sam like Amy was Elder.

I think my favorite scene in the book though was the ball. I would love to go to something like that in my lifetime. Meadows' description of it was outstanding, and I almost felt like I was there.

I would recommend this novel to YA readers looking for something totally different. A new world with a little action/adventure and a little romance and a lot of mystery and self discovery. 5/5 for sure.


--Ashley