Review: Entertaining Dystopian Adventure
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 31, 2013
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*Favorite Quote: "We are here because we know that the only guarantee in life is that if you do nothing, then nothing will change. We are here to follow your dream because it has been so long since we've had any hopes or dreams of our own."Kiah's Soul-Shifting Journey is an adventure set in a dystopian world with romantic elements. I call it an adventure because it's a sweeping epic story about teenagers realizing that society is wrong and fighting to change it. Life is bleak for everyone that isn't in the upper echelon of society. One of the things I really liked about this story is that the fight is possible. In so many dystopians, I read about rebellion and think that there isn't even a slim chance of victory. That's just depressing. Ann Denton creates a society where 90% suffer for the sake of 10% living well. It's only a matter of time until the masses rise up against oppression.Main character Kiah changes quite a bit as the novel progresses. It must be very difficult to be told she is 'The One' destined to save everyone. She ends up embracing her role much better than I expected. Kiah is a strong female protagonist, though she doesn't start out that way. While I felt sorry for the Kiah at the beginning of the book, I'm glad she matured enough to outgrow her self-pity since too much of that really doesn't make for good reading. I love the cover, I can picture Kiah looking just like this.Romantic interest Ryker is almost too good to be true. He never seems intimidated in the least by Kiah or the attention she garners. Standing by her side, he supports her in everything. Ryker is fiercely loyal and just an overall good guy. He'd give his life for Kiah and their cause.The secondary characters are many, which isn't surprising considering Kiah is building an army. Most just kind of blend in with the rest. Sally is Kiah's best friend and always seems to know the right thing to say. Molly changes so abruptly and completely in her feelings for Kiah, I think I got whiplash. I really liked Sam and wish he'd been developed a little more.Finishing Kiah's Soul-Shifting Journey left me feeling satisfied. That just isn't the case with most dystopians. Of course I don't expect a 'happily ever after', but I wish more dystopian authors would write more like Ann Denton. She manages to weave a great tale of oppression and suffering, while still leaving room for victory and hope.I recommend Kiah's Soul-Shifting Journey to everyone high school and up that enjoys an adventure set in a dystopian society. I also think this book would be fine for middle school age, with the caveat that it is about war, and where there is war, there is death, blood, and suffering. I'm definitely looking forward to book two.You can find this review and many more at [...]