Author: Jennifer Snyder
Release Date: May 14, 2011
Genre: Young Adult Romance
Buy It: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Paperback
Hellish Nightmare...
If seventeen-year-old Seth Bradson were to describe his life in two words, those would be the two he’d choose. Seth prefers to cope with his crappy existence by spending his days in a drug-induced haze. But when Ali Carson steps into his life, Seth finds something he’s subconsciously been seeking—a new drug, one that consumes his mind unlike any other.
Love.
In a moment of unforgivable weakness, Seth allows Ali to try crystal meth, his most addictive temptation. This single event begins the unraveling of both their lives and forces Seth to learn the definition of regret the hard way.
Don't let the cover fool you. This is not a happy book. In fact, it's soul shattering. Yep, the title basically says it all. Now I know what you might be thinking, "If this is not a happy book then why did you read it, Sab? Why are you reviewing it? What's the point?"
Well, the point is this: It's a book. You don't just read a book because it has a HEA. You read a book because of the journey it takes you on - happy or sad. And this book definitely took me on a journey.
Shattered Soul was a short read (I finished it in about 3 hours). But even if it was, Snyder managed to create a story filled with so much raw emotion and characters that felt so real.
I liked that this was written in Seth's perspective - a male protagonist at last! He's so complex, it hurts. Seriously, that's how I felt the whole time I was reading his story. There were two sides to him and it hurt seeing how he struggled with trying to get away from the life he knows. And to make matters worse, his brother Calvin is a total asshole. Whenever he's in a scene, my blood would boil. At one point, at the height of Calvin's douchebaggery, I totally cursed my tablet and wanted to smash it against a wall. I was that mad. And I felt so sorry for Seth that I actually cried with him.
Then we have Ali... she's complicated. I feel like on some level I knew Ali but then again maybe it's just her drug-induced personality that we were introduced to. It was so hard trying to see what Seth saw in her other than the fact that she's beautiful. I kind of feel like Ali was only after Seth because she knew he had the goods. And that she didn't really change because of the addiction... maybe she really was that underneath all the cute preppy outfits. Get what I'm saying? Whatever. Bottomline, Ali was the biggest game changer in Seth's life and I don't even mean that in a good way.
The story overall, is great. Like I said, not because of the ending (because it's not a happy one) but because of the journey it takes to get there. It deals with a sensitive topic and I think the author did a great job at writing about the reality of it all. There's truly something about Jennifer Snyder's writing that draws me in. This is the second book of hers I've read and I can definitely say she has a way with words. She brings out a whole lot of emotions without saying too much.
Shattered Soul is edgy and dark and all around fantastic! I'd definitely recommend this to any reader who's up for the challenge. It won't be easy... but it is so worth it.
My Rating
(Refer to rating system)
***I received an e-copy of this book for review.***
This review is based solely on my opinion.
About the author
Jennifer Snyder
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Jennifer Snyder lives in North Carolina were she spends most of her time writing young adult fiction, reading, and struggling to stay on top of housework. She is an instant coffee lover with an obsession for spiral bound notebooks and smooth writing pens. Jennifer lives with her husband and two children, who endure listening to songs that spur inspiration on repeat and tolerate her love for all paranormal, teenage-targeted TV shows.
CONTACT INFORMATION
GIVEAWAY
One signed paperback - U.S. ONLY
One e-copy to be gifted through Amazon or B&N - INTERNATIONAL
Thanks so much for taking part in the tour! I enjoyed your review!
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