Latest Read: Asunder by Jodi Meadows

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Asunder (Newsoul #2) by Jodi Meadows
Publication date: Jan. 29, 2013
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Category: Young Adult - Fantasy
Source: Purchased

Summary: Ana has always been the only one. 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. 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. 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. (Adapted goodreads.com)

My thoughts…

The good: Asunder was the ideal second-in-a-series book. It refreshed your memory on its predecessor subtly, had continually solid character development and world-building and steadily moved the plot along so by the end, the stage was set for the final book. The idea of souls reincarnating over and over again continues to fascinate me and like Ana, I wanted to know all the why’s and how’s. And wow, was I not expecting some of the twists and turns involved. Needless to say, I might’ve flown through Asunder even faster than Incarnate!

Range and its citizens are dealing with the aftermath of Menehem’s efforts, known as Templedark, to temporarily stop Janan from reincarnating souls and allowing newsouls to come forth. This is met with mostly fear and grief and the knowledge that anyone born at this point could be new. And at the center of this chaos is Ana. Whether she wants to or not, people are taking out their emotions on her and she feels a responsibility to make Range a better place for newsouls. She knows what it’s like to be ostracized and always on the outside. As she fights for the future of her kind, she discovers more secrets about Janan, the people of Range and herself.

Ana grows so much throughout Asunder. What I love about her character is that instead of wallowing endlessly over what she is, she takes that energy and turns it into something positive. She has this attitude of — if this is my one and only life, I am going to make it count. Fantasy world or not, these are words we should all take to heart. She wants to learn and live and love, even when she’s afraid of the present and the future. She doesn’t have to take on all of Range to make it a safer place for newsouls, but she tries. And even though she’s been told all her life she’s incapable of loving, it doesn’t stop her from exploring that emotion with Sam (I’ve already gushed so I don’t want to repeat myself but seriously, how I adore him!). I love all of Ana and Sam's moments together. But I also like that Ana doesn’t dive headfirst proclaiming her love. She wants to be sure she means it before she says it. For someone with very little social experience, she’s one smart cookie.

(No) reservations: None! Although, I am always craving Sam and Ana scenes.

Do I recommend?: Yes! Again, I’m glad I finally gave this series a shot. I feel like it does fly under the radar a bit and seriously people, you should check it out.

Happy reading!