Review: Asunder by Jodi Meadows

Asunder
by Jodi Meadows
Series: Newsoul #2
Publication Date: 29 January 2013
Katherine Tegen Books, Hardcover, 406 pages
Source: Library

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WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR INCARNATE.

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.

Rating: ★★★★★

Asunder broke my heart, mended it, then shattered it again. My heart’s current state: pieced together in all the wrong places. Just like in Incarnate, Jodi Meadows has somehow put music into words. I loved everything about this book. The story, character, world – just everything.

After Templedark, Ana was discriminated more than ever in Heart, some people even tried to physically attack her. However, she handled everything perfectly. Ana’s one of the purest characters I’ve ever come across and her kindness and selflessness was reflected in her every action. She’s not perfect (evident in what she did to Meuric back in Incarnate), just a very good person. Although she continues to struggle with the effects of her cruel upbringing, she slowly learns and grows with her experiences and the encouragement of Sam and her other friends.

Talking about Sam, I know I’ve said this before in my review of Incarnate, but his sensitivity and love of music really sets him apart from the typical buff, tough and rough guys found in YA books. It’s interesting that not only is he helping Ana develop, but she is changing him for the better too. Being with Ana made Sam realise that he was capable of so much more than just making music, that he can be brave and strong. This mutual development strengthens their relationship and made it all the more endearing.

It’s hard to describe the plot without giving spoilers but basically, it felt like I was thrown a whole bunch of puzzle pieces and as the story progressed, the pieces fixed themselves together. Mystery practically radiated from the book and the end was completely satisfying. The truth about Janan and reincarnation would be revealed, be prepared. Moreover, I loved the part about sylph. I won’t say how everything is linked, but the ending (concerning sylph) really broke my heart.

Wherever the story goes from here, I just can’t wait to find out. Jodi Meadows have the amazing ability to end off books with a hooking conclusion yet not needing some crazy cliffhanger. You’ll get a partial sense of closure so you wouldn’t die from shock. I am definitely thanking her for not temporarily killing my mind like other authors with their cliffhangers. So now my wait for the finale of the trilogy begins. 2014 simply cannot come soon enough.