Arnaka Skytree grew up believing she was chosen to bring new magic to the world. As the heir to the cult of druids responsible for keeping their floating palace habitable for the wealthy aristocracy, she’s expected to wield her power as those before her did: by culling the souls of peasant women.
But when Arnaka learns more about the source of her magic, and that her best friend’s soul will be harvested, she embarks on a journey to end the barbarous practice and to restore a long-forgotten harmonious system of magic practiced by the original druids. Along the way, she discovers she’s not the only girl chosen to restore balance to their world—many others have powerful magic inside, and with them, she will tear the floating palace from the sky so everyone can live in the sun—out of the shadow of the eclipse.
The premise was definitely interesting. Jacqueline Rohrbach's The Soulstealers is a well written Young Adult novel that nonetheless doesn't quite deliver, an intriguing and dark tale whose lukewarm delivery doesn't do it justice, juvenile at times despite the subject matter. There's so much to explore: the conflict between mother and daughter, brother and sister, between classes, between sexes. Occasionally, gems shine through; but on the whole it feels scholastic, unearned. The brutality of the magic system is almost glossed over after an explosive first chapter and the occasional moving reminder, with the narrative taking big leaps in time that don't help matters. By the end, I wasn't even sure of the protagonist's age.
Amidst the war for freedom and peace, the romance bit came out of left field, a sort of enemy-to-friends-to-lovers that progressed way too quickly to be satisfying. I enjoyed more the growing friendship between Arnaka and her servant, along with the glimpses we got of Arnaka's friendship with the girl who would have to become her sacrifice. We also got asexual representation, with one (1) line about not wanting to kiss anyone, and the matter is then swept away. If you want to read this book because of the alleged asexual representation, which is what I wanted to do, I'm afraid this isn't the book for you.
The Soulstealers is a good fantasy book for a young reader with little experience.
✨ 3 stars
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