“You see, I’m a cold-hearted person. Not as in cruel and mean, but as in, someone who very seldom cries, who’s seldom moved by emotional scenes, and so on. The few things that make me reach such a state aren’t the usual kind of triggers; I don’t shed tears over characters dying, romantic scenes, happy-ever-after moments. In fact, it’s so random I couldn’t even explain what may or may not trigger a reaction, whatever reaction, in me.” - Meda Melange
The author Eliza Crewe has tried to deliver a spellbinding and power-packed fantasy book for young adults who are just bored of fantasy novels that are limited to vampires and witches. The protagonist, Meda is a Soul-Eater and being a half-demon, she lives and thirsts for the souls of humans. But, the author has incorporated a few clichéd twists in the book as this fairy-like witch only consumes the souls of really bad guys (in literal terms, only guys!). She knows she is a fiend and accepts it. She is now a headstrong locked up in the Crusaders’ school, where she is being given a training to fight demons, who are determined to demolish the human civilization and create more demons. She feels increasingly muffled by the Crusaders rules and there happens to be a day when she finally decides to leave them. The second book in the soul eater series, Crushed will take you further in the story.
The good
What I liked in the book the most is the blunt narration. The novel is incorporated with sarcasm as the protagonist, Meda’s character has been portrayed differently. She is a no Miss-Goody-Two-Shoes, but definitely she is not one to mess with. She is tough as it is an obvious reason for she is the one who eats Souls, it looks like a prerequisite! But she is also a bad-ass when it comes to righting the wrong. She doesn’t follow any rules and is a hot-headed witch. That’s what makes her different from the regular witches. Her anger and frustration with the Crusaders seems rather vain in the beginning, but the author craftily brings out the justifications as the plot progresses. Also the friendship between Meda and Jo has given this book quite an interesting feel. The contrast in the characters, the tension that develops due to their opposing views and their complex relationship is well written. And the story is quite good. You might get a little bored in the beginning, but as you will get involved in the story with the turning pages, you will find that the author has enough incorporated twists in the plot to keep you occupied till the very end.
The bad
Meda’s character is at times showcased as being too rash and uncontrolled, which confuse readers to decide to whether be on her side or root for her. Though you admire her for being a kick ass, you also realize that some of her actions lead to unnecessary consequences, which is actually added just to build a plot that might seem weak without this milieu. However, if you haven’t read the first book, you might be left slinging on certain stories, like who is Uri and what happened to Meda’s mother and such other things.
The final Verdict
This is not a usual YA book that one reads, but a rather bold and an extraordinary one. For people who are fed up of the ordinary fantasy novel and has monotony with the overdose of romance, this book would surely be a welcome change. Read the first book in order to have more understanding about the story and the characters.
The book is now available at lelobooks, an online bookstore in India. So, have a change in the vampire stories and get your book at home by buying books online and also avail attractive discounts. Hurry Now!
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