jessicajonesreads's review against another edition
4.0
Author Faith Prince reached out via my bookstagram page to introduce me to her debut novel, Wild Souls, available for Kindle Unlimited customers and in paperback. This is an indie author, so I wanted to give this a read and honest review!
Wild Souls is a dual POV, and we bounce back and forth between high schoolers Ethan and Jenna.
I want to start out with Ethan, who I really connected with. I loved that this story included characters who are neurodivergent because I, too, am neurodivergent. It's nice to see representation on the page.
Ethan has some evident struggles and is basically an outcast. He is introverted, but because of his ability to see people for who they really are, he avoids crowds of people and cannot easily make eye contact. These are not ingredients to an easy social life at any age - but certainly not in high school.
Ethan is bullied and considered a "freak" just because his peers won't take the time to get to know him... until Jenna Farrell moves to town.
Jenna is a social butterfly, confident, quirky, and comfortable in her own skin. She does her best to hide her struggles with her dad's chronic absences and tells everyone that it's no big deal.
Ethan, with his abilities, can see right through Jenna's brave face - and with her charisma and kind soul, Jenna brings Ethan out of his shell.
This book is beautifully written, and I would categorize it as YA: fantasy, romance, and maybe even sci-fi. I gave it 4 stars because I am not a huge YA reader. I genuinely believe YA is for everyone, but I gravitate toward romance books with more spice.
Overall I think this is a fantastic YA read. I liked the introspective themes and the focus on the characters' personal growth. If you enjoy YA or romance without blatant spice, or you just want an upbeat read with fantasy and sci-fi themes - give Wild Souls a try!
Wild Souls is a dual POV, and we bounce back and forth between high schoolers Ethan and Jenna.
I want to start out with Ethan, who I really connected with. I loved that this story included characters who are neurodivergent because I, too, am neurodivergent. It's nice to see representation on the page.
Ethan has some evident struggles and is basically an outcast. He is introverted, but because of his ability to see people for who they really are, he avoids crowds of people and cannot easily make eye contact. These are not ingredients to an easy social life at any age - but certainly not in high school.
Ethan is bullied and considered a "freak" just because his peers won't take the time to get to know him... until Jenna Farrell moves to town.
Jenna is a social butterfly, confident, quirky, and comfortable in her own skin. She does her best to hide her struggles with her dad's chronic absences and tells everyone that it's no big deal.
Ethan, with his abilities, can see right through Jenna's brave face - and with her charisma and kind soul, Jenna brings Ethan out of his shell.
This book is beautifully written, and I would categorize it as YA: fantasy, romance, and maybe even sci-fi. I gave it 4 stars because I am not a huge YA reader. I genuinely believe YA is for everyone, but I gravitate toward romance books with more spice.
Overall I think this is a fantastic YA read. I liked the introspective themes and the focus on the characters' personal growth. If you enjoy YA or romance without blatant spice, or you just want an upbeat read with fantasy and sci-fi themes - give Wild Souls a try!
its_a_literary_life's review
5.0
“Now I know why we were so drawn to each other. We both have wild souls,” I breathe.”
As a debut novel, Wild Souls is such a charming and well composed YA paranormal, science fiction story. I really enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. Such a captivating and unique plot. We have Ethan Underwood, the quiet and awkward boy that everyone thinks is crazy and Jenna Farrell, a free spirited, independent, and quirky girl as the main characters and POV’s and I adore them both so much!
Ethan has always had a gift of seeing peoples true colors, literally. Sort of like synesthesia but paranormal. He’s grown up his whole life trying to shield himself from the energies, auras and demons that he sees within everyone’s soul and in turn becomes the outcast in school. When he’s being bullied one day, Jenna steps in to defend him. New to town, she has no clue who Ethan is or why he’s considered an outcast until later on. Through a virtual app, they start talking and instantly hit it off. They both overcome challenges separately and together over the course of a school year. This story to me is so much about growth. We see throughout the book how much Ethan and Jenna evolve in their own ways from strength to acceptance. I absolutely adored their relationship. The way they both love each other and show it is everything despite the challenges. Ethan and Jenna have my heart!
“Jennalivesfree: What does my soul look like?
Soulseer23: Like an endless sparkling sunset drifting along a deep, starry indigo ocean. It's beautiful.”
Faith Prince’s writing is so vivid and well written. The flow was smooth, fast paced and overall refreshing. She pulls you into this book by engrossing all of the senses and I loved that. Such descriptive writing which I think very much reflected Ethan’s abilities. The atmosphere she creates is captivating, especially when in Ethan’s perspective. And I liked how she started the book from his perspective and ended it in his as well. All the characters are well developed and each of them give a little bit more to the way Jenna and Ethan evolve. Such a heartwarming ending too! Definitely recommend to anyone who likes a fast paced, unique, paranormal sci fi with lovable characters and a story that has meaning behind it. Such a good read!
As a debut novel, Wild Souls is such a charming and well composed YA paranormal, science fiction story. I really enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. Such a captivating and unique plot. We have Ethan Underwood, the quiet and awkward boy that everyone thinks is crazy and Jenna Farrell, a free spirited, independent, and quirky girl as the main characters and POV’s and I adore them both so much!
Ethan has always had a gift of seeing peoples true colors, literally. Sort of like synesthesia but paranormal. He’s grown up his whole life trying to shield himself from the energies, auras and demons that he sees within everyone’s soul and in turn becomes the outcast in school. When he’s being bullied one day, Jenna steps in to defend him. New to town, she has no clue who Ethan is or why he’s considered an outcast until later on. Through a virtual app, they start talking and instantly hit it off. They both overcome challenges separately and together over the course of a school year. This story to me is so much about growth. We see throughout the book how much Ethan and Jenna evolve in their own ways from strength to acceptance. I absolutely adored their relationship. The way they both love each other and show it is everything despite the challenges. Ethan and Jenna have my heart!
“Jennalivesfree: What does my soul look like?
Soulseer23: Like an endless sparkling sunset drifting along a deep, starry indigo ocean. It's beautiful.”
Faith Prince’s writing is so vivid and well written. The flow was smooth, fast paced and overall refreshing. She pulls you into this book by engrossing all of the senses and I loved that. Such descriptive writing which I think very much reflected Ethan’s abilities. The atmosphere she creates is captivating, especially when in Ethan’s perspective. And I liked how she started the book from his perspective and ended it in his as well. All the characters are well developed and each of them give a little bit more to the way Jenna and Ethan evolve. Such a heartwarming ending too! Definitely recommend to anyone who likes a fast paced, unique, paranormal sci fi with lovable characters and a story that has meaning behind it. Such a good read!
chloelj27's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thank you Faith Prince for sending me an e-copy on exchange for an honest review.
Firstly, I loved the idea behind Wild Souls and how Ethan could see into someone’s soul. I think many people would think it’s an interesting power to have, but I loved the struggles Prince showed through Ethan about it being quite unnerving. The visualisations described such as snakes choking to show the effect of a controlling relationship was so powerful. Ethan’s friendship/relationship with Jenna was really sweet and endearing, and gave that lightheartedness when the book needed it.
I think at times, the story lacked a little something, which I’m not sure exactly what, but I felt a little lost occasionally.
The characters themselves were likeable and were written well to fit the YA genre.
For a debut novel, this was a great read and you can see the potential Prince has. I look forward to her future work.
Firstly, I loved the idea behind Wild Souls and how Ethan could see into someone’s soul. I think many people would think it’s an interesting power to have, but I loved the struggles Prince showed through Ethan about it being quite unnerving. The visualisations described such as snakes choking to show the effect of a controlling relationship was so powerful. Ethan’s friendship/relationship with Jenna was really sweet and endearing, and gave that lightheartedness when the book needed it.
I think at times, the story lacked a little something, which I’m not sure exactly what, but I felt a little lost occasionally.
The characters themselves were likeable and were written well to fit the YA genre.
For a debut novel, this was a great read and you can see the potential Prince has. I look forward to her future work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Abandonment, and Gaslighting
Minor: Kidnapping, Sexual assault, Violence, Murder, and Rape
readingwiththechoob's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
For a short YA novel, this took me far too long to get through. This was my first ARC (even though it’s already been released last August) - this independent author kindly gifted me an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
So first, I felt like this was more middle grade than YA (other than the swear words, alcohol, make out scenes - which were unnecessary in my opinion, and looked like it was added to make it more YA). Then the plot lines - way way too many. I felt like there were too many to keep track of and so the execution of them felt surface-level. Finally, I needed more character building in the beginning - as the reader, right from the start you’re thrown right into the story, meant to get to know the characters as the story gets on. For me, it didn’t work. Needed more backstory, more world building. I feel like this could’ve been better with an editor and good beta readers. Tough! I’d read future books of hers because there’s so much potential here!! But this one missed the mark for me.
So first, I felt like this was more middle grade than YA (other than the swear words, alcohol, make out scenes - which were unnecessary in my opinion, and looked like it was added to make it more YA). Then the plot lines - way way too many. I felt like there were too many to keep track of and so the execution of them felt surface-level. Finally, I needed more character building in the beginning - as the reader, right from the start you’re thrown right into the story, meant to get to know the characters as the story gets on. For me, it didn’t work. Needed more backstory, more world building. I feel like this could’ve been better with an editor and good beta readers. Tough! I’d read future books of hers because there’s so much potential here!! But this one missed the mark for me.
booksireadinthedark's review
4.0
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is not my usual kind of book; I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about it with a sci-fi flair, but I was pleasantly surprised. I felt this book was well written, I really enjoyed the plot a lot more than I thought I would, and the characters were easy to fall in love with. I loved the whimsical world the author created and the amazing characters that really just brought the whole book together for me.
Jenna is a carefree, strong independent soul who doesn’t care what others think of her. Ethan is a very shy introvert who can see peoples’ souls and if looking into their eyes, see their deepest secrets, which makes him more recluse. Both being the somewhat outcasts and a little different, both find a kindred friendship and relationship, and help each other with their own inner struggles.
This is not my usual kind of book; I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about it with a sci-fi flair, but I was pleasantly surprised. I felt this book was well written, I really enjoyed the plot a lot more than I thought I would, and the characters were easy to fall in love with. I loved the whimsical world the author created and the amazing characters that really just brought the whole book together for me.
Jenna is a carefree, strong independent soul who doesn’t care what others think of her. Ethan is a very shy introvert who can see peoples’ souls and if looking into their eyes, see their deepest secrets, which makes him more recluse. Both being the somewhat outcasts and a little different, both find a kindred friendship and relationship, and help each other with their own inner struggles.
lenasbookmark's review
4.0
"Those who we expect the least from are those who surprise us the most."
Wild Souls is a young adult fantasy which is not something I would usually read. I'm glad that I did though, because I enjoyed getting to know Ethan and Jenna and watch them grow.
Ethan has been labeled a loser, psycho, freak, and liar by others in his hometown his whole life. He's become used to it and stays to himself, or tries to. Enter Jenna, the new girl in town who doesn't listen to everyone's claims about Ethan. They first meet in the hallways when a classmate is bothering Ethan.
We then see them interacting through an app where they stay up all hours of the night chatting about all sorts of things. Ethan doesn't want to share his ability with her because he's afraid that she will label him crazy like everyone else does. He eventually trusts her enough to tell Jenna and her reaction is nothing like he expected it would be. Jenna has accepted him for all that he is, soul seer and all.
I loved Ethan and Jenna, as individuals and as a couple. Their relationship is one that I think everyone should read about. I think that Ethan and Jenna can teach people the values of commitment, the importance of staying true to yourself, and supporting your partner through their good and bad times.
I thought Ethan's ability to see people's souls and their darkest secrets was fascinating. I've never read anything like this and really enjoyed reading his descriptions of people's auras and what their souls encompassed. Faith does an amazing job of writing the descriptions of these through Ethan's eyes.
Wild Souls is a young adult fantasy which is not something I would usually read. I'm glad that I did though, because I enjoyed getting to know Ethan and Jenna and watch them grow.
Ethan has been labeled a loser, psycho, freak, and liar by others in his hometown his whole life. He's become used to it and stays to himself, or tries to. Enter Jenna, the new girl in town who doesn't listen to everyone's claims about Ethan. They first meet in the hallways when a classmate is bothering Ethan.
We then see them interacting through an app where they stay up all hours of the night chatting about all sorts of things. Ethan doesn't want to share his ability with her because he's afraid that she will label him crazy like everyone else does. He eventually trusts her enough to tell Jenna and her reaction is nothing like he expected it would be. Jenna has accepted him for all that he is, soul seer and all.
I loved Ethan and Jenna, as individuals and as a couple. Their relationship is one that I think everyone should read about. I think that Ethan and Jenna can teach people the values of commitment, the importance of staying true to yourself, and supporting your partner through their good and bad times.
I thought Ethan's ability to see people's souls and their darkest secrets was fascinating. I've never read anything like this and really enjoyed reading his descriptions of people's auras and what their souls encompassed. Faith does an amazing job of writing the descriptions of these through Ethan's eyes.
dissociationbybooks's review
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This is a YA paranormal romance with amazing character development. Ethan can see the soul of every human he comes into contact with, and it makes him the town pariah. His relationship with Jenna and her support of him helps him see the good sides of people and his ability. It also helps him learn how to interact with a world that seems so far out of his reach.
Beautifully written, and a wholly unique concept. I absolutely recommend this; it is good for the soul.
Beautifully written, and a wholly unique concept. I absolutely recommend this; it is good for the soul.
shelbe_reads's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
tortorreads's review
5.0
Rating: 5/5
I received a copy of this book for my honest opinion
With this book being a debut novel, it was a charming paranormal romance, with sci-fi weaved throughout it. I really loved this story; it was a unique plot for me. You have Ethan who is an awkward boy, who is shy but only because he can see people’s souls. Jenna is carefree, strong, and not a follower like others in the school. After meeting on an app, they chat for hours about nothing, about everything. It wasn’t under the next time when Jenna says she wants to meet up with him at school does he panic.
I love that Ethan has his own superpowers. He can see people’s souls, their colors, or their spirit animals. Then you have some people who are not good people deep down to their soul. He sees their darkness and their horrible blood thirsty spirit animals. What makes it worse is no one else can see these things and everyone thinks he is crazy. Jenna is a sweet, down to earth, carefree spirit. She doesn’t care what others think and she is always willing to help others. I loved both characters and I think they complimented each other very well. I loved being able to see each of them grow and develop on their own but seeing them help each other was just adorable. You really could feel the love that they had for each other, and it showed when they would support each other.
This book was well paced and with Faith Prince's writing style I was able to see what was being described. I loved the world that she built for someone’s souls and how each of them has their good and bad sides. I will be recommending this book to anyone that wants to try fantasy/paranormal ya book.
I want to thank Faith Prince for allowing me the opportunity to read and review her book
I received a copy of this book for my honest opinion
With this book being a debut novel, it was a charming paranormal romance, with sci-fi weaved throughout it. I really loved this story; it was a unique plot for me. You have Ethan who is an awkward boy, who is shy but only because he can see people’s souls. Jenna is carefree, strong, and not a follower like others in the school. After meeting on an app, they chat for hours about nothing, about everything. It wasn’t under the next time when Jenna says she wants to meet up with him at school does he panic.
I love that Ethan has his own superpowers. He can see people’s souls, their colors, or their spirit animals. Then you have some people who are not good people deep down to their soul. He sees their darkness and their horrible blood thirsty spirit animals. What makes it worse is no one else can see these things and everyone thinks he is crazy. Jenna is a sweet, down to earth, carefree spirit. She doesn’t care what others think and she is always willing to help others. I loved both characters and I think they complimented each other very well. I loved being able to see each of them grow and develop on their own but seeing them help each other was just adorable. You really could feel the love that they had for each other, and it showed when they would support each other.
This book was well paced and with Faith Prince's writing style I was able to see what was being described. I loved the world that she built for someone’s souls and how each of them has their good and bad sides. I will be recommending this book to anyone that wants to try fantasy/paranormal ya book.
I want to thank Faith Prince for allowing me the opportunity to read and review her book