A Journey Through Lives: A Review of Soulmatch by Rebecca Danzenbaker
When I first laid eyes on Soulmatch, Rebecca Danzenbaker’s debut novel, I was immediately drawn in by the promise of a dystopian world where souls and identities intertwine in ways that reshaped the very fabric of personal connection. The blend of reincarnation, political intrigue, and romance caught my attention, and I was eager to dive into this complex tapestry woven with threads of past lives and future implications.
In Soulmatch, we’re transported to a world set 200 years after World War III, where every eighteen-year-old must undergo “kirling” to uncover the identities of their past lives. This intriguing concept serves as the bedrock of Danzenbaker’s society, and I found myself captivated by the meticulous worldbuilding—each term like "folies" and "culi" felt substantial and part of the fabric of the story, rather than mere jargon. It’s this level of detail that showcases the author’s thoughtful planning and understanding of complex systems, surely reflected from her professional background.
The heart of the novel lies in its protagonist, Sivon. I was enchanted by her multifaceted character—a chess prodigy with the wisdom of a strategist and the emotional vulnerability of a young woman still discovering her place in the world. Danzenbaker navigates Sivon’s internal conflicts with a deft hand, allowing readers to experience her growth as she learns to balance her sharp mind with her feelings. It reminded me of my own experiences of wrestling with the dual aspects of intellect and emotion during pivotal moments in life.
What truly surprised me was how Danzenbaker subverts typical YA romance tropes in the relationship between Sivon and her bodyguard, Donovan. Their slow-burn romance develops with a weight that transcends mere attraction, reminding readers that love can span lifetimes. The notion that their souls have fought to save each other through various incarnations adds layers of meaning that truly resonated with me. It’s a poignant reminder of the connections we forge in life and how they can echo through our histories.
Yet, it’s not just the romance that steals the show. The political undercurrents involving Prime Minister Mirovnik and the overarching conspiracy threaded throughout the story create a tantalizing backdrop that feels especially relevant in today’s world. The exploration of power, corruption, and the manipulation of identities sent chills down my spine, making me reflect on the nature of authority in our reality.
However, while I found the political intrigue compelling, I wished for a bit more balance between character depth and plot exposition, especially in the middle sections. A few supporting characters felt more like means to an end rather than fully fleshed-out individuals, though this didn’t significantly detract from my overall enjoyment.
Danzenbaker’s writing flows easily and remains accessible, striking that delicate balance between clean prose and immersive storytelling. The dialogue sparkles with natural banter, particularly between Sivon and Donovan, and I appreciated the definitions offered at the start of chapters, enhancing my understanding of the world.
In conclusion, Soulmatch is a refreshing addition to the YA dystopian genre that artfully marries romance with political intrigue. Readers looking for a book that provides not just entertainment but also an exploration of identity and the connections that transcend time will find themselves enchanted by Sivon’s journey. This debut marks Rebecca Danzenbaker as a promising new voice in young adult literature, and I, for one, am eager to see where her storytelling leads us next.
If you enjoy stories that delve deeply into the human experience while keeping you on the edge of your seat, Soulmatch is definitely one to add to your reading list. It’s a thrilling ride that might just make you reconsider the essence of who you are.