Asunder by Jodi MeadowsSeries: Newsoul #2
Published by: Katherine Tegen Books on January 29, 2013
Genre: Dystopian, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
Pages: 384
Source: ARC From Publisher
Buy on Amazon • Book Details
Rating: ★★★★
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 Incarnate 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.
I was a little bit nervous going into Asunder because I had some issues with Incarnate, but I ended up liking Asunder even more!
My biggest gripe in Incarnate was the romance. I didn’t feel it at all. To be honest, I still wasn’t a huge fan of it in Asunder, but since it was already established, I think it was easier for me to accept. It also felt like it had a smaller role in the story. There were still some awkward moments in the book (for example, when Ana and Sam discuss the inappropriateness of their relationship and the 5,000 year age difference), but overall I just kind of tuned it out and that allowed me to enjoy the fantasy and story elements much more.
Ana was a much stronger character in Asunder. There were still a few times when I didn’t like her—mostly when she talked about her “inability to love”—but overall she was much better; she was a character fighting for an important cause. She took action and stood up for herself. She had big dreams and aimed to make monumental changes in the society. She wasn’t perfect, but it was nice to see her out there fighting rather than lurking in the shadows.
What I liked most about Asunder was the mystery element. Ana was very clearly working towards a goal: she aimed to make change and uncover truths. Her goal was much more focused in this book than in Incarnate, where she simply wanted to learn about her origins. In Asunder, Ana works towards forming alliances, doing research, gathering information, and uncovering mysteries. This clear focus made the story really intense and quick to read!
I think the pacing was better in this book as well. There weren’t any long, drawn out periods if inaction, or long periods where Ana was doing nothing but attending lessons and learning music. There were a few, but they were mostly short and fit in with the story. For most of the book, important things are happening—things that will keep you interested and engaged in the plot! It’s really fun to sit there and speculate because Jodi arranges it in a way that you have no idea who to trust. I do have to admit that the end wasn’t really as big of a twist as I was hoping for. I kind of wanted to be caught off guard with the big reveal of who was behind everything. Normally I expect it to be the unexpected, but in this case it ended up being the expected.. if that makes sense. But even so, the action, mysteries, and reveals are interesting and engaging!
One complaint: I wanted more dragons! They didn’t make an appearance in Asunder, which was kind of a let down for me. I feel like there’s an interesting story there (as introduced in Incarnate), but we don’t learn anything new about them. Hopefully we’ll find out more in the third book!
Asunder wasn’t a perfect book, but I do think it was much better than Incarnate. The writing is beautiful, the plot was interesting, and most importantly, this book felt necessary. It wasn’t an empty ‘filler’ book and didn’t suffer from the second-book-in-a-series syndrome. The plot develops nicely and Jodi Meadows sets the stage for what will probably be a very interesting third book!
The Verdict
Ah, I am jealous you got to read this early! I’ve been waiting for it for what seems like forever. Good to see that it’s worth that wait!
If you liked the first book, then I think you’ll definitely love this one! 🙂
Ahaha Ashley!!!! I really have to read it! I liked Ana in the first book, but it sounds like she grows quite a bit in Asunder!
(I’m back from vacation and will be visiting as usual now again)
Welcome home Danny! It’s so great to hear from you! 😀 I think you’ll really like Asunder!
Glad that Ana was stronger even if you didn’t feel the romance. I am still needing to read the first, but I want to.
Happy reading,
Brandi @ Blkosiner’s Book Blog
I’ll be curious to see what you think of the series!
It’s always good to hear that a main character gets character build. I love fleshed out characters that learn a thing or two along the way. I can’t wait to read this book. The cover! *spasm*
I KNOW! The covers for this series are insanely gorgeous O_O I can’t wait to see what they have in store for book 3!! Squee!
Hmm. I really didn’t care for Incarnate that much so I don’t think I’ll be spending my time on this one. But I’m glad you enjoyed it Ashley! 😀
XX, Inky
Yeah I completely understand! I wasn’t crazy about Incarnate either. Thanks, girl!
I’m still not sure about this… Like you, I had problems with the romance. Plus, the cross-dressing thing is…
ugh.
LOL! So weird. Seriously. It definitely felt less pronounced in this book though. But it was definitely still there!
I started Incarnate but couldn’t really get into it, I may pick it up again soon-ish.
I’m glad you enjoyed this despite the few things you mention, I need to feel the relationship as well.
I love the covers of this series! A great review Ashley 🙂
You know, I’ve noticed things that bother me in a first book, if repreated in the second book, doesn’t bother me as much because now I know it expect it.
I think I want to buy this book just for the cover.
That is an excellent point and I think you’re totally right. That’s definitely what happened to me with this book and the romance!
I’m super jealous you got to read this one already- but that aside im actually pretty bumbed there arent any Dragons in this one, especially since Incarnate left so much room for them to develop and establish Sam’s character more with them.
Exactly! The dragons were my favourite part of Incarnate. Hopefully they make a HUGE appearance in book 3!