The Soultakers - Review
"I've learned...fear does sometimes have its place in the grand scheme of things. If we let it, the Universe can make right from wrong, light from darkness, life from death" (Rozelle, 340).
The Soultakers starts off where we left off in the Treemakers, in the safety of Zentao. But things turn awry quickly as secrets are uncovered and the safety of their newfound paradise is gone forever. Forced to evacuate, they fall into the depths of hell and struggle to make it out alive.
Typically, the middle book in a trilogy is pure filler. The events between the beginning of their adventure, and their happy (or terrible) ending. While the story IS in between those two events, Rozelle made it its own adventure.
There was so much new information revealed leading to the big ending that is The Seeker's Keys, the last book in the trilogy. The incredible events and exciting story never ceased to surprise and amaze me, and even scare me.
The character development shown for Joy was astonishing. We are with her through so much in this novel and we get to experience what she goes through. Rozelle doesn't lack in suspense or surprise when it comes to what happens to this girl.
We also get to explore some of the other characters a bit more, like Johnny, and Serna, who we finally get to know a little better.
The theme of never giving up and pevailing against all odds sticks with us through this novel. It is ever present and constantly brought up, keeping up hopes of readers as to the fate of the beloved characters we have fallen in love with.
Rozelle did an incredible job at involving so much content without making the story seem cluttered and unnecessary, all while keeping suspense present and preventing things from getting dull or obvious.
As before, I look forward to reading the next book, namely the final book in the Treemaker series, however sad I might be when it ends. The story has evolved so much in these past two novels, and I can't wait to see what the next one brings. Again, Rozelle did a fantastic job with this novel. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
 (The Treemakers Trilogy Book 2) - Christina L. Rozelle, Christian Bentulan, Kimberly Grenfell)
