Soul Machine

by Jordana Globerman

A Wrinkle in Time meets Brave New World in this thought-provoking debut graphic novel about one girl’s quest to save her family's livelihood—and maybe existence itself.

Chloe, 14, and her 16-year-old sister, Lacey, make souls by hand in an empty old house in the countryside. When their supply of breth—the raw material needed to make souls—runs dry, the evil MCorp tries to force them to franchise and make synthetic souls instead. Chloe sets out to the big city in hopes of finding a new source. And maybe a way to modernize their business that Lacey is so determined to keep in the past.

On a journey to find a real breth crop, untouched by MCorp’s greedy hands, Chloe uncovers long-buried family secrets—and starts to question whom to trust and what reality even is.

A beautifully rendered debut, Soul Machine is at once a metaphysical science-fiction story and a nuanced exploration of big spirituality, family, consciousness, and connection, but also unscrupulous consumption, megacorporations, and how egomaniac entrepreneurs impact our lives.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy, Family, Comics, Fiction

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 17, 2025

About the author

Jordana’s comics have been published internationally, applauded by Dazed magazine and Haunted Phonograph in the UK, and profiled on the True North Country Comics podcast. She holds a master’s degree in visual arts from Camberwell College, part of University of the Arts London in London, England, where she majored in drawing anthropomorphic bears and drinking tea the proper way. She is currently based in Ottawa, Canada.

Reviews

[Books Amongst Friends · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Soul Machine had so much potential. It offers an interesting exploration of what can be commodified and sold, as well as the complexities of family business and the dangers of innovation. The book clearly critiques how big corporations monopolize industries and exploit smaller businesses and the communities that rely on them. There’s a lot worth discussing here, but ultimately, I felt the story was too rushed.

The earlier pages focus heavily on Chloe’s angst and her desire to be seen and appreciated by her sister, which I found a bit frustrating. The fact that her sister never revealed the deeper history of their family business — rooted in care, connection, and the creation of something pure — felt disjointed. It would have made more sense if Chloe had some prior knowledge of the family business and was actively trying to prove her sister wrong, rather than simply being a grieving teen missing her father.

The pacing also felt too convenient, with each event leading directly to the next. For example, if Chloe had known more, she likely would’ve stayed home, and her sister would have been the one to venture into the city. Even the interactions with the protesters, while reflective of real-world activism and silencing, felt somewhat forced.

That said, the core concept — souls for sale and the raw materials to create pure souls becoming scarce — is incredibly compelling. I just wish we’d gotten more world-building and a deeper dive into how the family business came to be. This graphic novel could have easily been twice as long and still held my attention. The artwork was beautiful, and I’d definitely pick up another work from this author in the future, especially to see how they challenge themselves with more fully fleshed-out storytelling.

[Sweetmusicwoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity to read an advanced readers ebook of this by the publishing company through Net Galley for an honest review. I just want to start off saying thank you. This was my first book I got to read through there. Now going into this I was already intrigued as I am a long time enjoyer of graphic novels. I love the combination of art and story that go into them. Most of what I have read have been very unique and fun while some were powerful in their own right. This one was a combination of both unique and fun while also being powerful and emotional. I love when it all comes down to it, family is always the number one. The messages in this were beautiful and strong. This book is much deserving of the five stars. I truly enjoyed it. Thank you for giving me the chance to read it. I will buy it when it is out too.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I loved how there were difficult themes discussed in a gentle way. It allows readers to explore these intense themes without pushing an agenda or a right answer onto them. It allows readers to think about their own thoughts and feelings regarding these topics. I absolutely love that and would love to see this more in all books.

I was really able to connect and emphasize with the main character, Chloe. During the course of the book she goes on this journey both physically and emotionally that reveals things about her family she didn't know. Now she has to decide how to proceed and move on.

I have zero critic for this book. I absolutely love it and think the creator did an amazing job with everything from the pictures, to the story, right down to the use of color. Absolutely fantastic book!

Thank you to Netgalley and the Annick Press for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul Machine has been one of my favourite reads this year! I was hooked from the first page. I really enjoyed the storyline, which was brought to life by the beautiful, lively and engaging illustrations. The comic explored big themes like technology, capitalism, environmental protection, greed, family and human connection, in a fun, humorous and satirical manner. There were so many twists and turns; I couldn’t help but be invested in each characters’ development within themselves and in relation to each other. I would highly recommend for anyone interested in a fun and easy-to-read sci-fi!

[J MaK · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.3) This book explores metaphysical concepts surrounding souls and breath. While themes of family and connection are central, some elements of the soul-focused premise feel underdeveloped, replaced instead by family drama and human negligence. In one sense, this makes the story feel more grounded and realistic, but it also diminishes the significance of its original metaphysical focus. Overall, the artwork is beautiful, using shifting hues to reflect the emotional highs and lows of the narrative.

[Merritt · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's anything all about anyway? The forward of this book really sets the tone for the overall experience, letting readers know this story aims to tackle big ideas without needing a complete or serious answer for all of them.

Thank you to #NetGalley and Annick Press for providing me with a copy of #SoulMachine in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.

Soul Machine really reminds me most of Repo! The Genetic Opera meets Idiocracy. A future where crops are being help by mega-corporations and a young girl learns just how much her family ties into the greater narrative being the focus should really drive that point home.

I think it's interesting to watch the story unfold through a young girl, but her characterization makes it really unclear how old she was meant to be. I truly thought she was around 10 for much of this story (likely because I had finished Sentient last night, and that's about how old the oldest characters were). I think that, overall the themes of the book or what it's "about" as brought up in the aforementioned forward are worth digging into, especially mid-TikTok court cases. We're increasingly connected to our devices and social media and continue to try to make the programs and choices work without stopping to ask if maybe there is a better more sustainable way.

Overall though, there's always room for corruption, or people just wanting to take the moral high ground. The weaving of Souls is truly the only part that gives me pause, as I still do not understand why it is that members of society craft souls for new lives. I wish there was just a smidge more world building there to explain, but it doesn't detract from the overall narrative.

If you have a younger reader in your life who is ready to tackle big themes and loves a bit of magical realism and sci-fi, I suggest giving this a shot. I was able to finish it in one sitting and the story does a great job of keeping people engaged.

CW: death, implied (metaphysical) drug use, self sacrifice

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

a bit heavy handed. the wrap up was a bit too quick and easy. and it's not quite clear how souls and breth work in this universe.

[Lay Tonic · Rating 5 out of 5]

***NetGalley ARC ***

For this to be a graphic novel, it provided some real world issues that most people have a hard time facing like the parent doing something that is unforgivable and the child calling them out on it or just simply hating them. Lacey and Chloe dealt with a lot of stuff during this novel and I wish there was more to like a normal book but, this was so good. I got really drawn in towards the middle when she was trying to find her dad in the city because there was some things that she just needed to learn on here own really. I enjoyed this and if there is more to read on it, I want every copy.

The graphics were pretty good to know what was going on almost reminded me of the Sunday paper comic section so it was nostalgic.

[Alyssa Jimenez · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW*
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This book could be considered the perfect mixture of Sci-fi, Fantasy, and Society. It touches on pivotal societal problems and allows the reader and our main character, Chloe, to form their own opinions as she navigates this dystopian world on her path to finding Breth. Something that is used to structure a soul mechanically. While doing soul-searching along the way. This was easy to digest considering the big problems it touches on and is an easy read to get you out of a book slump. 10/10 recommend. I loved every single second of this book and it kept me at the edge of my seat.
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Thank you to Net Galley, All the publishers, and the author! it was a privilege and an honor.

[Whisper · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art of this comic is absolutely beautiful. The story speaks bounds about climate change, corporate greed, and even about societal dependence on technology. The main character and her sister have a complicated relationship, but it speaks on generational trauma and how parents aren’t always who you think they are. Overall, I really enjoyed it. I think the entire concept is so interesting and makes you think on real life. Are we all connected, in our souls? Not individuals, but pieces of a chain?

[Whitney Weinberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

A unique graphic novel experience mainly due to the color shifts woven into the story telling. At its heart it’s about a girl figuring out the world around her and her place in it. I thought the font was a little hard to read and found my eyes more interested in the art.

Thanks to netgalley and annick press for an eARC

[Michaela Seaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting take on community, power, good vs bad, and sisterhood. Loved the art style, the color changes based on setting helped orient me in the story. MC could be annoying at times, but in the way that all of us are naive as kids, and her character growth was believable. Definitely recommend this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

[Riann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this graphic novel but I sometimes felt bogged down by the exploration of so many deep topics such as the nature of human connection, what constitutes a soul, and the search for identity. I wanted to enjoy the story at face value. I loved the artwork, the sisterly bond between Lacey and Chloe, and the twists.

[Kelly Hurcomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, captivating and thought-provoking. Doesn't speak down to its target audience and inspires them to question the systems and powers that be that influence modern life. Gorgeously illustrated, engaging and psychedelic - highly recommend for any young reader or graphic novel enthusiast!

[Noelle Garrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

confusing pacing but the concept was fire

[Brielle "Bookend" Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌿⚙️✨
“What makes a soul real—material, intention, or belief?”
🌿⚙️✨

5 out of 5 Soul‑Weaving Journeys

Best for: Readers who love philosophical YA graphic novels grappling with spirituality, corporate dystopia, and sisterhood.
Skip if: You need tight worldbuilding or conventional fantasy systems—this one prioritizes mood and metaphor.

Jordana Globerman’s debut Soul Machine is a rare gem—equal parts dystopian parable, metaphysical reverie, and tender coming-of-age tale. Chloe and her sister, Lacey, spin handmade souls from breth in their countryside home. But when MCorp pushes synthetic Digibreth and their supply collapses, Chloe journeys to the city to find new sources—and uncovers ruthless corporate greed, underground spiritualists, and the secrets locked within her own lineage.

“Neither of you care about souls … just your own ideologies.”

The artwork is breathtaking: panels drenched in monochromatic hues shift to reflect emotion and setting—a visual cue as strong as any caption. Scenes pulse with suspense—giant insects, breth-laden fields, oppressive cityscapes—each drawn with both restraint and surreal power.

Themes run deep: What defines a soul? Can consciousness be mass-produced? These questions reverberate throughout, encouraging reflection without ever becoming preachy. It's like A Wrinkle in Time filtered through a consumer-tech dystopia. Every turn of the page reveals more about what it means to belong—not just to a family, but to a lineage, a memory, a metaphysical ecosystem.

Emotionally, Soul Machine hits hard. The tension between sisters—tradition vs. innovation—is painfully real. Chloe’s naivety gradually transforms into fierce empathy, while Lacey’s steadfastness masks fear and grief. Chloe’s interactions with spiritual protestors and corporate figureheads aren’t just plot beats—they’re emotional collisions that challenge her beliefs about connection and identity.

If there’s one fault, it’s that the soul-weaving lore is more poetic than practical. The rules are hazy, the stakes a bit abstract. But that’s also the point: this isn’t a book about rules. It’s about resonance.

Final Thoughts:
Soul Machine is a soul-stirring, visually arresting graphic novel that lingers long after you’ve closed it. It doesn’t just ask big questions—it feels them. It’s for readers ready to trust tenderness and metaphor in place of exposition, and who understand that some stories aren’t meant to be solved but carried. One of the most memorable debuts of the year.

[Daniel Stitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soul Machine offers a visually striking journey centered on a young female protagonist navigating a world built on the unique concept of soul-weaving. At its best, the novel captures the emotional and psychological weight of its themes through several expressive full-page spreads — moments where the illustrations speak louder than the dialogue. These artistic highlights convey sweeping thoughts and timelines in beautifully visual, almost poetic ways, showcasing the illustrator’s strength.

The narrative begins with promise. The protagonist’s journey — part coming-of-age, part rebellion — has the makings of something meaningful. However, as the story unfolds, the characters begin to feel disappointingly one-dimensional. The protagonist comes across as overly angsty and naive, her older sister is sharply jaded to the point of cruelty, and the “lady boss” antagonist leans into a caricature of sinister aloofness. Their interactions often feel forced, as if driven more by thematic messaging than by authentic development.

This leads to one of the story’s larger weaknesses: while there’s a clear feminist angle, it falters by portraying nearly every female character as either manipulative, wounded, or emotionally inaccessible — none of them fully redeemable. The message seems muddled. As a reader, I kept hoping for a more nuanced exploration of identity, power, and agency.

Perhaps most disappointing is how the novel abandons its most compelling idea — the soul-weaving — in favor of extended focus on family dysfunction and business betrayal. The central metaphor is rich with symbolic and philosophical potential, but it gets lost in plotlines that feel melodramatic rather than revelatory.

In the end, Soul Machine is a novel I wanted to love. Its visual artistry and conceptual ambition are clear. But its lack of character complexity, overemphasis on message, and missed opportunities in worldbuilding left me feeling like it never quite lived up to its own potential.

[Maykala · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soul Machine is a scifi graphic novel about a girl named Chloe. Chloe and her sister Lacey make souls, which are made from breth. Breth is slowly becoming extinct. Chloe goes out to the city to find a new supplier. In the city, Chloe uncovers family secrets and gets thrown into a power struggle of the evil MCorp owner, Maya.

I like many of the ideas Soul Machine explores including greed, power, and family. I found Chloe and Lacey's bond as sisters very endearing.

Unfortunately, I found the world building and character depth lacking. The world is mostly controlled by MCorp. As a reader, you know this almost right off the bat. I just wish we explored this world more. Most of Chloe's experiences happen away from the MCorp world, or  in the home of Maya, MCorp's owner. The world and the effects MCorp has on it are briefly shown but I feel like more time should have been spent on Chloe exploring this world. Chloe and her sister live off the grid and a lot of Chloe's story skips over what MCorp has really done to the world. I think focusing more on this could have better highlighted the points the author was trying to get across. Similarly, I feel like many of the characters in Soul Machine are very surface level. 

Overall, I think this is an interesting graphic novel that explores important topics, but it missed the mark a little when it came to the storytelling aspects. I would still recommend this as I think it has a great foundation and a lot of heart. 

*e-ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chloe’s family’s business is in jeopardy, struggling to survive in its organic state while facing off against the corporate competition. Without her parents nearby, teenage Chloe is being raised by her older sister Lacey, and the two balance their individual skills as best they can. Their supply of breth–a material required to run their business–is dwindling, so Chloe is sent to the city to secure more. While she is there, though, Chloe meets people on both sides of the breth debate, and she must determine which opinion is the right one. This dystopian graphic novel has appeal for both advanced middle grade readers and young adults due to its thought-provoking plot and its lack of overtly mature content. As a graphic novel, this story is designed in a way that capitalizes both on the use of dialogue and the powerful tool of wordless images to bring Chloe’s experiences to life. Scenes are demarcated by alternations between nearly monochromatic frames which utilize black alongside one primary hue. While this color design limits some of the detail that can be included, the visuals help to create a sensory experience representing a dystopian landscape that is more dreamlike than tangible. The overall appearance of the book is relatively simplistic at first glance, but the narrative brings several thoughts to the surface that are also outlined at the end of the book in the form of discussion questions. Curious and thought-provoking, this is a unique addition to graphic novel collections for high school-aged readers.

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chloe and her older sister Lacey (both sisters have light-colored skin) make souls the old-fashioned way – by hand. Weaving DNA together takes effort, patience, and breath (the plant needed to produce souls). So when their supply of breth runs out, Chloe takes it upon herself to save the family business. But her journey is full of deception and danger. The controlling corporation MCorp wants to force synthetic soul production and tries to shut down any authentic soul weaver for good. Lacey falls mysteriously ill, haunting family secrets come to light, and the line between ally and enemy blurs. Can Chloe figure out who to trust to save both breth and souls? Or is the world doomed to become a synthetic copy of life? 

Soul Machine is a metaphysical take on nature vs. machine, corporate greed, and the sacrifices we as humans are willing to make for technological advancement. With AI on the rise and so many questions about the ethics of its use, this is a timely graphic novel. The story also touches on environmental concerns, showcasing the potential for corporate greed to allow technology and synthetic production to replace nature. All these topics make this an excellent science fiction story. The art is simplistic yet expressive, using pen & ink techniques and one-tone color changes to highlight atmosphere, tense scenes, and overall mood. Overall, Soul Machine is a thought-provoking journey that will leave teens thinking critically about the present-day world. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Jordan Tu'ulauulu · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 rounded up. Thank you to Netgalley and Annick Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was such a cool concept and world! The execution fell a bit flat, but I enjoyed my time reading this novel and was intrigued by the mystery. Chloe and her sister, Lacey, are taking on the family business of weaving souls after their mother died and father disappeared many years ago. This process involves harvesting breth, which is like a grass, and spinning it into yarn and then sending it off... somewhere? These souls are then placed inside each individual. However, there is big competition from MCorp, a big corporation that creates Digibreth, digitalized breth without a personality or link to a chain? The point is, we want the handmade soul because it links you to others in your ancestry line and is better somehow. Anyway! Chloe goes on a journey to the ciy to find more breth because their shipments have stopped arriving. On this trip, Chloe learns so much more about the world, about breth, and about MCorp that changes everything. I loved where the story went, and the mystery of their missing father kept me reading, but there were some plot holes that need filling. Overall, I enjoyed this story and will read more from Jordana Globerman.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soul Machine is a great comic that dives into the connection and conflict of life merging into technology. This comic was well-written and easy to follow. The art itself was beautifully drawn for the story. Chloe and Lacey are great characters, being polar opposites given the childhoods they experienced. Chloe was reminiscent of Coraline from the movie, which made her character enjoyable to read, even with her naivety. Her older sister, Lacey, is seen at the start to be a bit overbearing and noticeably tense with all the work put on her shoulders, but as the story continues, we realize she was simply attempting to give her younger sister the life she thought she deserved, which is what most older sisters consider their responsibility. The conflict itself was interesting to consider given the different perspectives of characters in the story. Soul weaving being an important aspect of their life and seeing how a massive corporation attempting to overtake that aspect and shape it into their own without understanding it or the nature of them. The plot twists were twisting for sure and I enjoyed the comic, as it showed the deep connection people have and the presence of a person's soul being the meaning of life.
Thank you Netgalley and Annick Press for an early arc ebook copy

[The Keepers of the Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chloe and her older sister are soul weavers and have a business making souls together. All is going well until the crop runs dry. When Chloe goes to the city to figure out what's going on, she encounters McCorp, an evil company trying to put smaller weavers out of business by making synthetic souls. What is McCorp's real motive? Can Chloe find new soul sources and save the business? Who can she trust?

The illustrations are hard on the eyes due to use of varying shades of green, but the pane details are detailed. The plot is unique, engaging, and full of plot twists. The characters are easy to relate to and are memorable. Their perceived ages, however, don't match the illustrations. Together the illustrations and text work well together. The world building is well drawn, eye catching, and draw the reader into the story. Readers who like metaphysical mysteries, adventure, and graphic novels will want to pick this one up. Recommended for library collections where such books are popular.

Please Note: A copy of this book was given in an exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. No other compensation was received.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soul Machine by Jordana Globerman is a graphic novel best geared for late middle school/early high school readers. It follows Chloe and her older sister who spin breth, a raw material that her family grew that is used to make souls. Both of the girls' parents are gone, and they are doing their best to hold the family business together. Meanwhile, in the city, the evil McCorp is creating synthetic souls. Chloe takes a chance and goes to the city to see if she can help save her family's business, and there she meets both Maya, the leader of McCorp and Persie, who believes a more spiritual path. Chloe works her way through both extremes and fantastical worlds to come to her own beliefs about souls, her family's business, and her family's relationships. The colors and panels are engaging for middle schoolers; the language isn't too hard to understand. It's a little heavy handed at times, but it works for the author's purpose and the audience. A good purchase for middle school libraries. Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for this ARC.

[Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chloe is a 15 year-old soul weaver along with her older sister. Her mother is dead and her father went missing and presumed dead, but Chloe strongly believes that he is still alive. What Chloe and her sister Lacey weave is called breth and it becomes the stuff of souls. This is not really explained in great detail. Breth crop is becoming depleted and Chloe offers to go to the city buy some on the black market. Their world is controlled by MCorp which makes Digibreth but all is not well with Digibreth or MCorp. The head of MCorp is Maya, who is a one dimensional villain who knew Chloe's father and wants to use Chloe to find him but Chloe escapes and ends up hippie like Nuspiritualists, who Chloe also comes not to trust as well. There pointed hits at the MCorp police states and has more philosophical look at how people are connected and that technology even well intentioned has consequences. This book will probably be more engaging toward tween readers (12-14 year-olds). Older teens might find it interesting but might want more well rounded characters.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soul Machine does an interesting job exploring complex societal issues from the perspective of a sheltered child, Chloe, who’s eager to learn yet also, understandably, susceptible to effective marketing. The symbolism of corporate greed being so vast that it eats away at us down to our souls is sadly realistic and the book does an adequate job delving into that idea in a visual way. At the core of Chloe’s journey is the desire for connection that feeds all human beings and the rise of technology that severs that connection, leading to isolation and loneliness. It’s a tiresome cycle of greed and overconsumption all in the name of connection. The characters other than Chloe could use some more depth beyond their main directives. The development that her father has is one of the most unexpected parts of the narrative and I wish that it led to something more substantial. The art itself is unique and eye-catching throughout, especially due to the evolving colors as the tone changes.

[Adri Holt · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is just Chloe and her sister, Lacey, toiling away to make souls. Their father has disappeared without a trace. When there is no choice but for Chloe to go to the big city to purchase more “breth” at the marketplace, she finds herself pulled in multiple directions. She comes across communities from both sides of the spectrum, one that leans more towards capitalism and another that is more socialistic. Chloe is stuck between a rock and a hard place in the battle for the soul. Will she make the right decision or lose her way?

The message was interesting because it was portraying both extremes of both capitalism and socialism. I’m not sure how this will play out with younger crowds, but it was a thinker for someone older.



#ThxNetGalley

Merged review:

It is just Chloe and her sister, Lacey, toiling away to make souls. Their father has disappeared without a trace. When there is no choice but for Chloe to go to the big city to purchase more “breth” at the marketplace, she finds herself pulled in multiple directions. She comes across communities from both sides of the spectrum, one that leans more towards capitalism and another that is more socialistic. Chloe is stuck between a rock and a hard place in the battle for the soul. Will she make the right decision or lose her way?

The message was interesting because it was portraying that both extremes of both capitalism and socialism. I’m not sure how this will play out with younger crowds, but it was a thinker for someone older.

#ThxNetGalley #Jordana Globerman #SoulMachine

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Annick Press for sending me a copy of this graphic novel to read and enjoy.

I was sold on the cover and title of this book to be honest and then the plot sold me. I can’t remember the age category for this book but the “handmade/ homemade” products going up against the big corporation was actually super interesting to read about even if their product is souls. When Chloe and her sister Lacey’s resource dries up, Chloe goes searching for a supply of souls and finds the mega corp who is making a synthetic soul product. On Chloe’s journey we learn some secrets about her family and she learns some hard lessons. I enjoyed the artwork as well. I like that different places in the story are different colours.
I would recommend this graphic novel to others because it is an interesting take on how small businesses are easily taken over by big corps.

[Melisa Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soul Machine definitely took me on a thought provoking journey. The message is strong, highlighting the clash between small businesses and the threat of big, money hungry corporations like MCorp. It also critiques consumerism while exploring deeper themes of familial legacy and the tension between tradition and modernization. The relationship between Chloe and Lacey highlights this struggle between old-world craftsmanship and the lure of modernization.

The metaphysical elements of soul-making and the elusive breth crop intrigued me, though I would have loved more explanation around how these concepts work, especially regarding the souls themselves.
The illustrations are cutesy and the shifting of colors add a nice touch, though the art style is not for me. Overall, this is a solid debut. Thank you @netgalley and @annick_press

[Novel Idea Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I decided to read this book! The art is terrific; so inventive and varied, and frequently stunning. More than that, Soul Machine is a compelling and seamless mix of adventure yarn, coming-of-age story, and cautionary tale. The mission taken on by our 15-year-old heroine, Chloe, kicks off an odyssey through a world obsessed with technology and celebrity, and largely devoid of humanity. What she learns along the way about real life relationships and connection to others provides hope for all of us. Soul Machine will touch your heart, make you laugh, and ultimately, encourage everyone who reads it to nurture their own souls by spending less of their time in the digital world and more in the real one. Soul Machine isn't just a wonderful book, it's an important one!