farenmaddox 's review for:

The Soulkeepers by G.P. Ching

2.0

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While I actually appreciate the story, which was fun, and the worldbuilding, which was pretty interesting, the book itself was clunky too much of the time. For all that I liked the story itself and found some of the ideas really unique, and even generally liked the main character, it was chock-full of writing cliches and clumsiness. Not to mention the author should be going to writing jail for the characterization of Malini who is Not Like Other Girls and (Jesus take the wheel) "exotic."

There are a lot of religious themes present, and Christianity is discussed several times, but I felt pretty pleased by the fact that it wasn't touted as "The Answer" and that they made use of dreams, Native American religious practices, and more.

I've seen a few reviews from people who were turned off by the "small town bigots" concept at work in the story, but that actually . . . well, resonated with me. I'm from a small community that behaved like this toward people who were "different" or "outsiders," and just because it didn't happen in your town doesn't mean that it never happens. That part was painfully realistic.

I'm not NOT recommending this book, but I wouldn't go into it expecting brilliance, rather something to pass the time.