Asunder (Newsoul #2)

Wow. WOW. I just finished my ARC of Asunder and boy, was it good. I was lucky enough to receive this copy from HarperCollins.

If you read my blog and my reviews, you may recall that my issue with the first book, Incarnate (though I really did love it), was the pacing. The beginning was too slow, and the end was a jumble, while the middle was absolutely terrific. Asunder has none of those issues. As I predicted, Meadows has only ripened her craft and improved with time.

Asunder by Jodi Meadows continues where Incarnate has left off. Ana, the NewSoul, is still an outsider in Heart. Havoc and destruction have come down on the city, and because of this, soon Ana will not be the only NewSoul. There will be more born. Ana makes it her mission to prevent NewSouls from having the same awful childhood that she had. Along with Sam, the OldSoul who loves her, and a few other close friends, Ana learns more about herself and what she truly believes in.

The pacing was terrific. It starts off strong and ends even stronger. This book definitely does not suffer from middle book syndrome. If you loved Sam in the first book (I did!), you'll love him even more in the second. At first, I was worried he would be portrayed as too perfect, but then he would do something silly, and I would be relieved. I love all the descriptions of music and how this plays such an important role in their relationship. The plot kept me interested the whole way through, and secrets are revealed at the right time and place. We get to see more character development of some side characters, which I enjoyed. And we get to learn more about sylph and the mysteries of the Temple. Now, I'm dying for the finale.

Overall, an amazing followup to Incarnate, a complete novel in its own right, with beautifully written prose and terrific characters. I can't wait to get my hands on the last book.

So. Many. FEEEEEEEEEEEELS.

First of all, Jodi Meadows has this fantastic way of making readers consider the morals of reincarnation. One million souls who become experts in their area of specialty vs. new souls and their new, though less experienced, ideas? It's a question you have to wonder about in a story like this and I think Jodi has done a tremendous job trying to tackle that question throughout the first two books, and I'm betting the fantastic continues into the next.

Then there's the characters. They grow and change and learn so much. Everyone besides Ana has been alive for thousands of years, yet many of them are becoming someone new, someone they've never been before. It's remarkable to imagine people who have been the same, or very similar, for so long suddenly becoming different, all thanks to Ana. Strong, clever, and oh so kind Ana. It's hard not to love her. She's naive at times and make mistakes, but she learns fast and is always improving herself. And Sam. Oh Sam. Pardon me while I swoon? Sam continues to be an incredible love interest in Asunder. And there's also a new character introduced, who I absolutely ADORE, but I won't say anything else. Y'all will find him.

The relationships in Asunder are complex and wonderful and changing. Friendships are growing stronger. Some reveal their true nature. Every relationship evolves in some form and each is significant to the story as a whole. It's always lovely when each part of a book is super important, you know?

Then there is the story itself, where every piece falls into place, entwining perfectly. There's action and mystery and KISSING and just...*sigh* There are no words for the perfection of the story itself. It's pretty much everything I can ask for in a book.

And do I even have to talk about the perf of the writing? I've mention that she weaves an incredible story and introduces a very interesting, complex topic to consider. But she also has such a way with words that I can picture the world really well. I can see it all in my head and it makes sense and I feel like I'm in the story. I'm always utterly swept away and entranced by her words.

If you haven't read Incarnate, why are you reading this anyway? Go buy your copy and rejoice in its beauty. If you have, make sure you pick up Asunder today. This is NOT a sequel that disappoints.