January 4, 2013

Asunder - Jodi Meadows

Asunder book cover
Asunder by Jodi Meadows
Series: Newsoul #2
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: January 29, 2013
Source: Borrowed from Jamie (Thanks!) || ARC

Ana has always been asunder - the only one of her kind. But after Templedark, she symbolizes much more - the number of darksouls who died that night, the number of possible newsouls that could be born, and the change that is certain to come. Ana must fight for her rights, and the rights of those like her who may yet be born. As Ana discovers her life's purpose, Sam continues to stand by her. And even though she wants to believe him when he confesses his feelings, how can she tell him she feels the same when nosouls are supposedly incapable of love? 

Asunder did not suffer from the rumoured "second book syndrome" or "sophomore slump"at all - that much I can guarantee. Like another second book in a series that I loved, I thought Asunder was well-written: there is distinct character progression, the reader is given the opportunity to uncover more of the plot and there is a lot of new information about the world of Heart and its various residents.

It was interesting to see what had and had not changed for Ana after the craziness that ensued in the last book. She had proven that she had a role to play in helping the citizens of Heart, but at the same time, the stark difference between her (as a newsoul) and them (as reincarnated souls) was even more pronounced. Watching her deal with the various reactions to her status - friendship or civil tolerance or curiosity or absolute enmity - was a struggle to me, as I really just wanted her to find her place among the people. The treatment of Ana in this book is a lot harsher than in the first, and it was so, so hard not to want to swoop in and save the day and protect her.

Not only did Ana have to deal with other people, she also had to deal with her own self. Like most people, Ana had doubts about her own self-worth and even her very existence. Most of these feelings and thoughts came from the classical conditioning that she had grown up with, but of course, it didn't help to be in a place where she was the first of her kind and had to figure everything out for herself. It was heartbreaking, anger-inducing and tear-inducing to watch what she had to go through. But by the end of the book, I was proud of her, mistakes and doubts and all, and looking forward to seeing what she decides to do next.

While I do love many of the citizens of Heart, Dossam/Sam is obviously my favorite. He earned the distinction with his swoon-worthy musical capabilities and genuine feelings for Ana in the first book, and this second one has just solidified my feelings for him. He's as patient, and talented, and swoon-worthy, and kind as he is in the first one, only this time, he has to invest more effort and time into figuring out how to handle his relationship with Ana. Though he is by no means perfect at handling the relationship and stumbles once or twice, I thought it added an extra charm and innocence.

Plus, there is a whole lot more going on with Sam and Ana in this book. Real relationships are the ones that can survive through the rockiest or craziest of conflicts. Sam and Ana were certainly put to the test in Asunder, and my opinion is that they totally passed and with flying colors too! They faced some of the most difficult things in this book, including their own personal problems, but they somehow managed to keep it together in spite of it all.

Apart from the romance, there was definitely a lot more new information we discover about Heart, its people and the magical creatures they often encounter. I'm incapable of saying any more about this without spoiling the book, so all I can say is that what Jodi Meadows has created and revealed in this book - well, it's a doozy!

I'm obviously a huge fan of this series, and I definitely enjoyed reading Asunder. While I was initially worried the book would not have the same effect as its predecessor, I am happy to report that I was proven incredibly, incredibly wrong. Asunder had me feeling every single thing and falling in love with Ana's story (and yes, Dossam too) all over again.

21 Comments:

  1. Incarnate was just an ok read for me, but it sounds like the things I had issues with - holes in the world building and Ana and Sam's relationship - are worked on quite a bit in Asunder.

    Thanks for the great review!

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    1. I think she improved a lot in this one, though I'm going to have to reread Incarnate to really be able to say that. But I did love this one though, especially the new characters and new lore that comes into it.

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  2. My friend! I am so jealous of you...this has been one of my most anticipated booksfor months now -- cannot wait to read!!!!

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    1. It's coming out soon, so soon! I know you were planning to read this already fairly recently - I hope you enjoy it. Team Sam forever <3

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  3. Glad to hear it's a good second book in the series! Way to go, Jodi!

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  4. I really liked this book, but for different reasons, if that makes sense. I really enjoyed the emotional development of Sam and Ana's relationship and you are right - Ana did grow a lot in this book. Great review!

    Kate @ Ex Libris

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    1. I think that's a wonderful part of the book! And I think it's a good thing we like it for different reasons - it just means there are a TON of reasons to like this book!

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  5. Yay! So glad you loved this one as much as I did! MY review is going up closer to the release date, but we had pretty much the same thoughts on it. :) I LOVE Sam, too! Musical guys almost always make me swoon!

    - Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl


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    1. Sam will forever and always have a spot in my heart. He's just a great male character <3

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  6. Yay I'm excited to read this one I really enjoyed the first book and so relieved that it doesn't have second book maladie! lol. I definitely can't wait to get back into Ana's effed up world! ;)

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    1. Her world gets even more effed up, if that makes any sense. I like it though because we learn more about it AND we see her character grow too.

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  7. Yippee! Except having trouble with the ending, I loved Incarnate. I'm not a big fantasy but it was just wow, you know? And proved to not only be pretty on the outside but on the inside too! I can't wait for my copy of Asunder to arrive so I can dive in and hopefully be wooed all over again.

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    1. Yes! I'm a fan of the covers, and I'm excited to have a pretty copy of Asunder in my hands soon :)

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  8. Oh oh! I was so fascinated with Ana's world in Incarnate, and I cannot wait to read the follow up. Yours is the first review I've seen. I hope that I can get my hands on this book sometime soon.

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    1. I'm happy I reminded you of the awesomeness that is Incarnate! Ana's world is just so interesting, plus we learn quite a bit more in this one :)

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  9. OH MY GOODNESS!!! I can't wait for this one. Incarnate is one of my absolute favorites. Heart is such a magical and lovely place and it is one of my favorite worlds. I adore Sam and I adore Sam and Ana together. I wish I could just pick Jodi Meadows' brain for the rest of the series RIGHT NOW. THIS series, I think, has been one of the hardest for me to wait for in the history of my love for books. This is the first review of this book that I've allowed myself to read. I'm so glad I won't be disappointed in the book OR with Sam and Ana! Your words make me so happy!!!

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    1. I tried very hard to not spoil anything, but to say what I thought was really great about this one! I think it's a solid sophomore installment. And well, Sam is awesome.

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  10. I am really, really looking forward to reading Asunder -- especially because it gets rocky/crazy and yay more Sam/Ana. LOVE IT.

    And dude, I totally feel you when you are like I want to swoop in and save her. ME TOO. ME TOO.

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    1. RIGHT? Don't you just want to play superhero and make sure she stays safe and sound and out of harm's way??

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  12. I really, really need to start reading this series. The covers look so beautiful for all of them and the concept really interesting. I’m checking these books out really soon. Great review!

    Irene (Local Search Engine Optimization Houston)

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