LINK to rave 5-star review of SOULSNATCHER by The Bookie Monster December 18, 2014
The Review by Desiree Putaski:
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I had my reservations upon first reading the blurb for this book. Truthfully, I felt it was just going to be a rehashing of X-Men all over again. Children with special abilities, Good vs. Evil, one side trying to get everyone to be on their side, one side who will achieve their goals by whatever means necessary—you’ve read the comics—or at least seen the movies, so you know what I’m talking about. And while there were some similarities, it was not a rehashing at all. This is an action packed, fast paced, entertaining read! The reader is grabbed on page one and the story never lets you go.
There are a lot of characters and we get to follow several of their stories, but the main storyline revolves around Jasmine (Jazz) and her son Chaz (or Binky as she calls him) and their dog, Dante. Jazz is a single mother who is constantly on the run to protect her son because of his gift. He is a healer and the story starts off with Dante being stabbed through the chest with a branch as he chases something into the woods (that one of the children at Chaz’s birthday party has thrown). Chaz can’t possibly let his best friend die, so he heals him in front of everyone. Seems like it’s going to be time for Jazz to pick up and run again.
Every story that we follow has something in common (aside from the child having some sort of special ability). They have all received a letter warning them of ever letting anyone know about their special gift. It’s once they share this gift (whether intentional or purely by chance) that both the good guys and the bad guys come looking for them. The good guys are content to let these children live as normal a life as they can, with their families, but the bad guys want these children to do their dirty work. Seems they have quite an enterprising business going on using these children. Vineyards pay big bucks to have a “talented” girl come in and make their crops grow instantly.
Even though some characters we only meet briefly, each and every one of them has a distinct personality and character trait that either makes you love them or hate them instantly. There really isn’t an in between with any of them. You find yourself cheering for the good guys, even though it’s not made clear in the beginning who is on which side. But once you figure it out, you’re right there in the thick of the fight, urging them on. Each chapter is filled with vivid imagery that pulls you right into the story. There is some romance, but it’s not the main focus of the story and doesn’t detract from the amazing plot.
And just when you think it’s all over… just when you think that there is no way for this story to turn around… it seems that one of our characters has been keeping a secret! And boy, what a secret. It definitely swings this story around into a different direction. The ending wraps up this particular conflict, but leaves it open just enough to make room for more. I certainly hope that there is more to come in the future.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I had my reservations upon first reading the blurb for this book. Truthfully, I felt it was just going to be a rehashing of X-Men all over again. Children with special abilities, Good vs. Evil, one side trying to get everyone to be on their side, one side who will achieve their goals by whatever means necessary—you’ve read the comics—or at least seen the movies, so you know what I’m talking about. And while there were some similarities, it was not a rehashing at all. This is an action packed, fast paced, entertaining read! The reader is grabbed on page one and the story never lets you go.
There are a lot of characters and we get to follow several of their stories, but the main storyline revolves around Jasmine (Jazz) and her son Chaz (or Binky as she calls him) and their dog, Dante. Jazz is a single mother who is constantly on the run to protect her son because of his gift. He is a healer and the story starts off with Dante being stabbed through the chest with a branch as he chases something into the woods (that one of the children at Chaz’s birthday party has thrown). Chaz can’t possibly let his best friend die, so he heals him in front of everyone. Seems like it’s going to be time for Jazz to pick up and run again.
Every story that we follow has something in common (aside from the child having some sort of special ability). They have all received a letter warning them of ever letting anyone know about their special gift. It’s once they share this gift (whether intentional or purely by chance) that both the good guys and the bad guys come looking for them. The good guys are content to let these children live as normal a life as they can, with their families, but the bad guys want these children to do their dirty work. Seems they have quite an enterprising business going on using these children. Vineyards pay big bucks to have a “talented” girl come in and make their crops grow instantly.
Even though some characters we only meet briefly, each and every one of them has a distinct personality and character trait that either makes you love them or hate them instantly. There really isn’t an in between with any of them. You find yourself cheering for the good guys, even though it’s not made clear in the beginning who is on which side. But once you figure it out, you’re right there in the thick of the fight, urging them on. Each chapter is filled with vivid imagery that pulls you right into the story. There is some romance, but it’s not the main focus of the story and doesn’t detract from the amazing plot.
And just when you think it’s all over… just when you think that there is no way for this story to turn around… it seems that one of our characters has been keeping a secret! And boy, what a secret. It definitely swings this story around into a different direction. The ending wraps up this particular conflict, but leaves it open just enough to make room for more. I certainly hope that there is more to come in the future.
Special thanks to Desiree Putaski at The Bookie Monster for her excellent review!