Woman Reading

First thoughts: Shusterman brought the depth of power back with this one. In Unwholly, while I enjoyed it, I felt that it had lost that punch that I felt when I read Unwind. Unwind hooked me, but it also made me squirm. Unwholly was just good. Well, Unsouled definitely made me squirm. I was uncomfortable reading this one, but in the best way. I was uncomfortable because it was so powerful, I thought anyway. I will also say, It is very likely that I felt that wallop of power because I made sure to read Unstrung, the short story. When I read Unstrung I wasn't aware that it would play such a big part in the overall story arc. I thought it was just a small little fill in the gap novella. I was wrong, reading Unsouled was pivotal. Sure, if you haven't read it, Shusterman skims through the basics and fills in enough of the gaps so that you're not totally lost, but I promise that you won't feel the gravity of the situations. Do yourself a favor, read Unstrung.

Second thoughts: I was so sad for Cam. I understand why everyone is so put off by him, but it broke my heart to read it. Just as he has said from the moment he joined the story, you can't fault the creation. He didn't ask to be made, he just was. Hate the people who created him, but he himself is just as innocent as all the parts that went in to making him. It broke my heart to continue reading the abuse that's heaped on him. He is still one of my favorite characters in the series.

Lev thoughts: In Unwind Lev annoyed me. In Unwholly I felt like Lev came into his own. In Unsouled I was back to annoyed, mostly, and maybe a little bit bored. Also, what the heck happened to Miracolina??! I can't remember...

After thoughts: I hate Starkey. I ADORE Hayden. Bam grew on me. Haden + Bam would be an interesting twist. Grace was the perfect addition to the story. I hope Conner someday comes face to face with his parents. I miss Will. My heart broke.

Final Score: 4.75 stars.

"The Stork Lord- is that what the media's calling him now?"
"No. It's my own term of endearment," Hayden admits. "But if they did start calling him that, I'm sure Starkey would love it. I'll bet he'd build himself an altar so that the common folk may worship in song and sacrifice. Which reminds me- I've been toying with the idea of an appropriate Stork Lord salute. It's like a heil Hitler thing, but with the just the middle finger. Like so." He demonstrates.