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avim's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery and Violence
Moderate: Ableism
Minor: Death of parent
bsparx's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
It’s been years since I’ve read a Richelle Mead novel. The last novels I’d read were Vampire Academy and they were fun books! So easy to read and this novel was too. If I didn’t have things to do I would’ve easily read Soundless in a few hours. As it was I was really curious to know what had happened to these poor villages. I find the author’s writing is quite straight forward, there’s no convoluted sentences, the characters are always likeable and have depth to them. Just as I remembered Mead’s writing to be.
Here’s the thing, if you are a reader who likes to be critical and overthink things, then this book is probably not for you. If you’re expecting a rich tapestry of Chinese folklore then maybe try reading something else. Your expectations are too high. I had my trepidations. Was the Chinese folklore going to be depicted well? Then there’s the fact this whole village is deaf. Were they going to be depicted well, too?
Soundless could have had more depth to it’s fantasy, it could have had richer folklore, the romance could have been less predictable, but that’s another novel. It’s not this one. I have read a few reviews stating those points, including the Chinese folklore being too subtle.
There are things I feel I can’t properly comment on. I’m not Chinese and I’m not deaf, but I do have my own disabilities. I feel Richelle Mead did a great job at portraying a community with a disability. They’ve learnt to adapt, they’ve learnt to work with it, and yes the inability to hear does advance the narrative. It does fill out the conflict in the story and add unique challenges. It’s written really well.
As for the Chinese folklore? It is subtle. I’m actually more comfortable with it being subtle in this case as the author is Caucasian American. I admit it was a trepidation I had. I can’t remember another novel I’ve read with Chinese culture or folklore which has been written by someone not with Chinese heritage. I’m surprised I haven’t come across a review commenting on this.
So yes, I do appreciate the Chinese folklore was subtle. I don’t think it detracted from the story, and I love the idea of what came at the end. No spoilers!
What I feel I can really comment on is the villagers, their systematic abuse, and their reaction to their trauma. I feel this was written and portrayed really well. Do you know how many novels I’ve read in the past where characters leap at the chance for things to change abruptly? Too many and it frustrates me. It’s not realistic. If you suffer from systematic trauma, eventually everything seems scary and you stick with what is known because that’s what’s safe. The unknown is scary. Beyond it your current circumstances could be worse. Complex trauma affects your brain in weird ways. It dampens your ability to use your imagination, especially with daydreaming about how to get out of your predicament.
Questioning things is realistic, but readily accepting an alternative in the blink of an eye isn’t. Psychology is far more complex and this is one way I really appreciate Soundless. This is a story with realistic psychological reactions. I felt for the villagers, their struggles, and their initial inability to accept change.
If you’re looking for an easy read, with some fantasy, and an uplifting ending, then you’ll probably enjoy Soundless. I know I feel good after reading it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Racism and Slavery
spiderjane's review against another edition
0.25
This book does not celebrate deaf/hard of hearing (HoH) culture, nor does it provide an accurate picture of it. In fact, this book's themes actively promote and perpetuate audism: discrimination against deaf/HoH people. I implore you to read a different book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Slavery
Minor: Bullying
Food insecurity and starvation are also major themes.
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