Asunder by Jodi Meadows

Asunder
Author: Jodi Meadows
Series: Newsoul #2
Published by: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: January 29, 2013
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased

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.

Incarnate was one of the standout books for me last year, so I was eager to read Asunder. For one reason or another I had to keep putting it off, but I finally got to read it recently. I was happy to find that Asunder was just as good as Incarnate, so there was no middle book syndrome here.

Jodi Meadows continues to impress me with her unique world building. I’m not a big fan of fantasy because it often feels bogged down with so much world building, but Meadows does it perfectly. It’s easy to imagine what Range and Heart look like without excessive descriptions. Even though creatures such as dragons, trolls, unicorns, and sylph are mentioned, the sylph are the only ones that make an appearance in this book. In fact, the Sylph are a major part of the story, as they seem to be acting differently and are attracted to Ana.

Ana is a character I loved. Everyone around her has lived many lifetimes, but Ana has only barely started one. She is naive about many things, but not in a bad way. She offers a different perspective that is refreshing and honest. Even though she’s constantly discriminated against and threatened, she continues to fight for what’s right and to discover the truth about the tower and newsouls.

Ana and Sam have such a sweet relationship. Sam was so good and patient with Ana in Incarnate, and he continues to be exactly what she needs in Asunder. Their relationship isn’t without issues though. Many people in Heart don’t think it’s appropriate, and that is something Sam and Ana have to deal with.

I had questions about Heart and the tower when I finished Incarnate, but a lot is answered in this book. The mystery behind Janan and the souls was really interesting. I love the story Meadow’s weaved and her take on the souls and reincarnation. There was not one part of this book that lost my interest.

Asunder was a wonderful sequel, and I’m willing to bet that Infinite, the final book in the trilogy, will not disappoint.