bookishnicole's review against another edition
5.0
I'm having a hard time deciding where I'm going to talk about Asunder because I actually haven't even finished my Incarnate review at this point. Incarnate left me with so many amazing feelings that I don't really know how Asunder could have been better, but it was, I just wasn't left with as many good feels because it was ended on a note a little darker than the last book. (In my opinion at least).
I loved how this book drew further into the complexities of newsouls and nosouls and darksouls. When we left Asunder, we had a lot of questions as to why reincarnation happens and what Janan is and what in gods name is just happening in this world. I have read books that will leave you with a ton of unanswered even during the second book, but Asunder is not one of those. While we are introduced to a lot of new content, we get a ton of questions answered. Like if Ana will be reincarnated.
I think my biggest problem with this book was that I was mad at Sam the entire time. All he did was keep things from Ana and she didn't deserve that she deserved his honesty since she didn't keep anything from him. She told him all about her father and what she did to Meuric, and she laid her soul on the table for him and yet he kept things from her and that aggravated me, especially because he has a hell of a lot more history to keep than she does.
I liked how more complex and darker this book was. While it still had its love themes and happy bits, it was overall a darker book. There were a lot of darker parts, that made it edgier and I loved it. I so cannot wait for book three, although I will admit I am sad for the story to end.
I loved how this book drew further into the complexities of newsouls and nosouls and darksouls. When we left Asunder, we had a lot of questions as to why reincarnation happens and what Janan is and what in gods name is just happening in this world. I have read books that will leave you with a ton of unanswered even during the second book, but Asunder is not one of those. While we are introduced to a lot of new content, we get a ton of questions answered. Like if Ana will be reincarnated.
I think my biggest problem with this book was that I was mad at Sam the entire time. All he did was keep things from Ana and she didn't deserve that she deserved his honesty since she didn't keep anything from him. She told him all about her father and what she did to Meuric, and she laid her soul on the table for him and yet he kept things from her and that aggravated me, especially because he has a hell of a lot more history to keep than she does.
I liked how more complex and darker this book was. While it still had its love themes and happy bits, it was overall a darker book. There were a lot of darker parts, that made it edgier and I loved it. I so cannot wait for book three, although I will admit I am sad for the story to end.
novelheartbeat's review against another edition
4.0
One of the things I love most about Jodi Meadows' writing is the world building. I want to crawl right into the pages and live in there! The world she creates is incredible and magical. And it's so unique, unlike anything I've ever read before.
I think my favorite part of this book was the sylph. I loved them! I kinda want one to keep. In the beginning I didn't know what the heck was going on, because they were pretty much stalking Ana. And not attacking. It was baffling! And I must say I'm a bit jealous of her sylph-charming abilities. I found it fascinating that they flocked to music and liked to sing. I would have loved to see more sylph in this story!
I knew, as I'd always know, I was a soul asunder.
Ana was a good lead. She's pure and innocent, naive even, yet she's stubborn and determined. If there was something she wanted, she didn't give up. I really felt sorry for her because of the way she was treated. She wanted so badly to fit in, to find her place in the world - but despite everything that she did for the people of Heart, she still wasn't accepted. She was regarded with mistrust and disdain, sometimes even outright hatred. She was the outsider. And when all was said and done, that's all the people could see her as. Their bigotry toward Newsouls was clearly from fear, but it was still disgusting. I was struck by the unfairness of it all, and it drove me crazy that they treated her so terrible when she hadn't even done anything wrong. Nothing she did was good enough for them.
Ana and Sam faced a lot of hardship. I liked that there was conflict, because it made the relationship more realistic. Sam is sweet and kind, but there were times he was so obtuse toward Ana's feelings that I wanted to shake him. I mean, I can see it from his side, too, in a way. But he wasn't trying to see it from her point of view, and he should have been working toward finding a happy medium (and stop worrying about what everyone else thought). Even though it wasn't intentional, the way he acted belittled Ana. Sure, he had a lot of experience from thousands of years of reincarnation, but Ana wasn't a child.
It went both ways, though. They were both so freaking stubborn, and wouldn't come right out and say things that they should have.
I hated Stef. I understand that love and jealousy can make you ugly sometimes, but ARGH. I couldn't stand that Ana called her a friend. She was such a buttface sometimes! I wanted to slap her.
We do finally get some answers regarding the Newsouls, and find out what allows everyone to be reincarnated. And boy, was the truth shocking!
Not to mention the end...holy crap! There was a major sacrifice that had me gaping. While it didn't make me outright cry, it did have me awfully misty. And the sylph - eep!
I really enjoyed this book, more than I enjoyed Incarnate. The only complaint I have is that I didn't connect to the characters quite like I hoped.
Favorite quote:
My feelings were deep and overwhelming and confusing, but at the same time the emotion filled me with a sense of belonging. This boy. This soul. We were tied together with something stronger than anything physical. With him, I was not a soul asunder.
ASSESSMENT
Plot: 4/5
Writing style: 4/5
Originality: 5/5
Characters: 3.5/5
World-building: 5/5
Pace: 4/5
Cover: 5/5
meredith_gayle's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
cupcakegirly's review against another edition
5.0
http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/12622-asunder-newsoul-2
alexperc_92's review against another edition
5.0
5 of 5 stars
There are times when a review CAN'T explain the beauty of a story. On the second book of Newsoul Ana and Sam have to fight for the rights of the Newsouls as also find the secter behind Janan's existence.
Music is the key element as emotions flow through the pages while Jodi creates a colorful story of emotion, love and descriptions. It's beautiful the way how Ana finds more about herself and her emotions about Sam, while I still believe that making Sam sound like a 5000 years old man in the body of an 18 years old took quite a try!
Excelent plot and Infinite will be a perfect conclusion at least i hope
There are times when a review CAN'T explain the beauty of a story. On the second book of Newsoul Ana and Sam have to fight for the rights of the Newsouls as also find the secter behind Janan's existence.
Music is the key element as emotions flow through the pages while Jodi creates a colorful story of emotion, love and descriptions. It's beautiful the way how Ana finds more about herself and her emotions about Sam, while I still believe that making Sam sound like a 5000 years old man in the body of an 18 years old took quite a try!
Excelent plot and Infinite will be a perfect conclusion at least i hope
willowshelter's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
lovegirl30's review against another edition
1.0
Previously posted on The Young Girl Who Loved Books
This book was not that great. This book is so boring and so very slow. Part of me wanted to give up and just say I can't do this anymore, but I stuck with it. There was just something about this book that makes me want to read it. I have no idea why this sucks. I just can't stop myself. I can't put it down. This love of reading really can be a sickness at times. Perhaps it is how lovely the covers are in this series or maybe there is something wrong with me. Never the less I keep reading this ridiculous series.
I had some expectations due to my previous feelings about the first book Incarnate. It wasn't my favorite book but it wasn't terrible. It was a solid three stars. The concept was quite awesome, but not completely to my liking. I felt like the second book could redeem the series in my mind. Unfortunately, this book didn't do that at all instead it completely ignored the mysteries about the first book. I honestly feel like this book could be about 200 hundred pages lighter. It just seemed far too long.
This book is just filled with romance drama. It is completely melodramatic. It continually made me roll my eyes. In the first book, the love story was cute, all little immature but okay. In this book, all they did was fight. It really wasn't healthy or good. I felt like the main character Anna was always fearful of falling in love, of giving her self to someone. I think we all have these moments for sure. I am not saying being fearful of love is a bad thing. She is just childish and he is too patient with her. I will say that this doesn't involve any sex which is typical of young adult and something I prefer.
The main plot wasn't terrible. The story building and writing were so much better than the first book, in my opinion. I liked the way the other spun the events and explained a couple deep issues. I just felt like it always took way to long to accomplish anything. Which was part of the letdown? The resolution is at the end of the book, like I mean the very end. It was frustrating feeling like nothing was going to come to pass or get taken care of. It does make me want to read the last one.
Overall this book just wasn't great for me. I don't know if I will continue on to the third book. As always my thoughts are just my own and you should check out the book for yourself. Happy reading!
This book was not that great. This book is so boring and so very slow. Part of me wanted to give up and just say I can't do this anymore, but I stuck with it. There was just something about this book that makes me want to read it. I have no idea why this sucks. I just can't stop myself. I can't put it down. This love of reading really can be a sickness at times. Perhaps it is how lovely the covers are in this series or maybe there is something wrong with me. Never the less I keep reading this ridiculous series.
I had some expectations due to my previous feelings about the first book Incarnate. It wasn't my favorite book but it wasn't terrible. It was a solid three stars. The concept was quite awesome, but not completely to my liking. I felt like the second book could redeem the series in my mind. Unfortunately, this book didn't do that at all instead it completely ignored the mysteries about the first book. I honestly feel like this book could be about 200 hundred pages lighter. It just seemed far too long.
This book is just filled with romance drama. It is completely melodramatic. It continually made me roll my eyes. In the first book, the love story was cute, all little immature but okay. In this book, all they did was fight. It really wasn't healthy or good. I felt like the main character Anna was always fearful of falling in love, of giving her self to someone. I think we all have these moments for sure. I am not saying being fearful of love is a bad thing. She is just childish and he is too patient with her. I will say that this doesn't involve any sex which is typical of young adult and something I prefer.
The main plot wasn't terrible. The story building and writing were so much better than the first book, in my opinion. I liked the way the other spun the events and explained a couple deep issues. I just felt like it always took way to long to accomplish anything. Which was part of the letdown? The resolution is at the end of the book, like I mean the very end. It was frustrating feeling like nothing was going to come to pass or get taken care of. It does make me want to read the last one.
Overall this book just wasn't great for me. I don't know if I will continue on to the third book. As always my thoughts are just my own and you should check out the book for yourself. Happy reading!
the_real_mosscap's review against another edition
4.0
Such better character development in this one!!! Maybe just my mindset, but SO MUCH BETTER THAN (the already-delightful) INCARNATE.
readingwithemmett's review against another edition
4.0
I don't know what it is about these books, but every time I start reading, I feel like I've entered into another world. Range is a completely different world, with a lot of interesting, and sometimes confusing creatures.
I absolutely love the author's writing. I think Meadows does a great job capturing and explaining the world of range. She has made a very creative story line that keeps you coming back for more.
While at times I was frustrated with Ana, Sam, and Stef, I really enjoy reading about them. I think it is interesting to see how Ana reacts and grows throughout the books, while trying to struggle with being alone. She is the first newsoul in 5 thousand years, so she doesn't have as much experience as everyone around her.
I would recommend this book if you have read the last one and enjoyed it, and I would definitely recommend this series.
I absolutely love the author's writing. I think Meadows does a great job capturing and explaining the world of range. She has made a very creative story line that keeps you coming back for more.
While at times I was frustrated with Ana, Sam, and Stef, I really enjoy reading about them. I think it is interesting to see how Ana reacts and grows throughout the books, while trying to struggle with being alone. She is the first newsoul in 5 thousand years, so she doesn't have as much experience as everyone around her.
I would recommend this book if you have read the last one and enjoyed it, and I would definitely recommend this series.
ciaralo's review against another edition
5.0
Where do I start with this book? All my thoughts are clamoring to be discussed and I can't seem to pick just one. Everything about this book was beautiful. Every. Single. Part. Even the dark and horrific points were tinged with hope, with conviction. Jodi Meadows is a pure talent, and Asunder was more than I could have ever expected.
I would love to study this book. To dissect the characters, explore the themes, and talk about the prose. The English major in me is just itching to dive deeper into this story. There is just simply so much depth to Asunder and I can't get enough of it. I want to read it again and again just so I can soak it all up.
In Incarnate we saw the image of a butterfly being used to tie the story together. In Asunder roses were a central theme and by gosh, was it done well. It added an extra layer to the story and Ana's character. The fleeting life of a rose, its undeniably beauty, and its fierce will to live describe Ana and her situation perfectly. She doesn't want to just be a blip on the map. She wants to make a difference. She wants to break past the barriers set before her. As I said in my original review of Incarnate, the cruelty that marred this beautiful world is striking. These apparent "pure souls" are sullied by their hatred and bigotry. And in Asunder, this is taken to an entirely new level. I was horrified by what the People of Heart did, both to these New Souls and to the people they considered "friends". It was painful to read about and made me beyond livid. There was so much injustice and lies that I wanted to shake the book and those awful characters in it. But, while there was so much darkness there was also many moments that had my heart soaring.
Now, let me gush about Sam and Ana. Individually, they are two moving characters with so much heart and strength. The musical Sam makes my heart melt because he is just such a good and loving guy. I loved his passion and dedication, his kind heart and his never ending love. He's the kind of guy I wish I knew simply because he would bring such joy to my life. And the protagonist Ana is such as kind and beautiful as her love. She is such a strong, passionate person dealing with many difficult obstacles. Ana is dealing with past and present abuse. She was raised by a cruel and vicious woman who told her time and again that she was less than a person. And now, Ana has to face the same hatred, mental and physical abuse at the hands of a community. Asunder really addresses the painful and damaging affects of that abuse, and how it alters her relationship with Sam. And that, despite all the hatred, Ana sends back out love. Together, her and Sam are such a realistic couple. They clearing care for each other, but they're both human. They make mistakes. They're scared. But, despite everything, they work together to create a strong relationship.
I love how Jodi Meadows weaves music into the story. I felt like I can hear Dossam on the piano and Ana on her flute. The music just wraps around me, and gave me this inherent feeling for hope. Music plays such an important and powerful role in the story, and I could totally relate to that. It made me want to run out and listen to my favorite songs and just revel in the magic of them.
Asunder sees a lot of plot progression as well. Lots of questions were answered, and lots of craziness ensued. Putting this book down was not an option. I was so entranced by the characters and the need to know exactly what was going to happen next! I was blind-sided by some of the twist and turns, and my heart swelled with pride every time the characters faced these challenges with determination.
Asunder was one of the best sequels I have ever read. I was completely blown away. Jodi Meadows knows how to write, how to create a gorgeous and original story, and how to create characters that will become a part of you. Asunder, you were no fleeting rose. Your beauty will remain with me for years and years to come.
- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)
Originally read January 26th - January 27th, 2013