The adage “to whom much is given, much is expected” is Ward’s dilemma in the book Soul Reader. What does he do with his gift? And can he do what is expected of him?
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Troubled by the murder of his father, Ward’s life turns for the worst after he loses the love of his life, gets fired from his job and gets evicted from his apartment. The events that happen next compel him to face life by using his gift; even if he isn’t sure how.
Troubled by the murder of his father, Ward’s life turns for the worst after he loses the love of his life, gets fired from his job and gets evicted from his apartment. The events that happen next compel him to face life by using his gift; even if he isn’t sure how.
Ward’s gift and how it becomes useful to him is an interesting springboard for the story’s takeoff. Unfortunately, I didn’t think it made quite a satisfying flight or a great landing. There were a number of instances in the book where Webster dishes out some suspenseful scenes and surprising twists for the reader only to let him down with the simplest or most predictable resolution imaginable. Such a denouement seemed to take away the suspenseful ride readers were brought along, for a good half of the book. Moreover, the author's penchant for similes and the constant POV shifts were a bit disturbing. Given the protagonist’s extraordinary gift, wouldn’t it have been more fascinating to read the thoughts of each character from his point of view instead of shifting from Ward to Culebra to still another?
Over all, Soul Reader was a bit disappointing. It seemed to promise more than it could deliver and while it was emotionally affecting in the beginning, it definitely left me asking for more.
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
