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The Oldest Soul - Animus
"The idea of finding out how many lives your soul has lived is so cool." @rclbeauty101, Rachel Levin
The oldest soul on earth - unbeknownst to her - is a seventeen-year-old girl named Evelyn O'Cleirigh, Eve, living in present day North Dakota.
Who knew that mapping the genome would lead to carbon dating the soul--
With scientists on the brink of decoding our DNA to determine the number of lifetimes a soul has lived, Eve meets a spellbinding boy named Jude, the only brand new soul on earth in centuries, and finds herself fatefully drawn to both him and Roman, her apparent love of lifetimes.
But how will she choose between her soul mate and her fate?
With no idea that her choice will alter the course of history - Paving the way for a world war of old souls versus new
www.theoldestsoul.com - Take the test and find out if your SOUL is OLD or NEW.....
The oldest soul on earth - unbeknownst to her - is a seventeen-year-old girl named Evelyn O'Cleirigh, Eve, living in present day North Dakota.
Who knew that mapping the genome would lead to carbon dating the soul--
With scientists on the brink of decoding our DNA to determine the number of lifetimes a soul has lived, Eve meets a spellbinding boy named Jude, the only brand new soul on earth in centuries, and finds herself fatefully drawn to both him and Roman, her apparent love of lifetimes.
But how will she choose between her soul mate and her fate?
With no idea that her choice will alter the course of history - Paving the way for a world war of old souls versus new
www.theoldestsoul.com - Take the test and find out if your SOUL is OLD or NEW.....
322 pages, Hardcover
First published October 20, 2015
66 people are currently reading
1409 people want to read
About the author
Tiffany FitzHenry
4 books64 followerswww.tiffanyfitzhenry.com
Tiffany has said that the story of The Oldest Soul had been "making its presence known" for several years.
Eve first sprang into her mind--like a bucket of cold water in the face--while on a walk in 2011, she promptly went home and wrote the first 4 pages (which have remained unchanged since). But she filed Eve's one-of-a-kind journey away in her mind when work on other projects beckoned.
"I've been a writer of all forms of stories since I was around seventeen and the potential success of one of my TV pilots took me further from Eve's story, but what I didn't realize was that I was always amassing inspiration for what would one day become The Oldest Soul. Everything in my world somehow always circled back to Eve."
In the spring and summer of 2015, in a matter of months, she breathed life into ANIMUS, or rather, it breathed life into her ...
"The story is a force of nature--and seemed to move through me like an incredible breath of life from someplace else." Tiffany has always said that stories "know what they want to be." And that as a writer she feels it's her job to "show up and get out of the way." Never has that felt so true than when Eve is telling her story. "Honestly ... I just write it down."
"Elaborate worlds infused with real human emotions and strong characters with thought provoking stories are what fills my soul." Tiffany has spent the past few years creating such worlds in the form of original feature screenplays and T.V pilots as a screenwriter. She is represented by David Boxerbaum at Paradigm Talent Agency. The Oldest Soul - ANIMUS is her debut novel.
Tiffany has said that the story of The Oldest Soul had been "making its presence known" for several years.
Eve first sprang into her mind--like a bucket of cold water in the face--while on a walk in 2011, she promptly went home and wrote the first 4 pages (which have remained unchanged since). But she filed Eve's one-of-a-kind journey away in her mind when work on other projects beckoned.
"I've been a writer of all forms of stories since I was around seventeen and the potential success of one of my TV pilots took me further from Eve's story, but what I didn't realize was that I was always amassing inspiration for what would one day become The Oldest Soul. Everything in my world somehow always circled back to Eve."
In the spring and summer of 2015, in a matter of months, she breathed life into ANIMUS, or rather, it breathed life into her ...
"The story is a force of nature--and seemed to move through me like an incredible breath of life from someplace else." Tiffany has always said that stories "know what they want to be." And that as a writer she feels it's her job to "show up and get out of the way." Never has that felt so true than when Eve is telling her story. "Honestly ... I just write it down."
"Elaborate worlds infused with real human emotions and strong characters with thought provoking stories are what fills my soul." Tiffany has spent the past few years creating such worlds in the form of original feature screenplays and T.V pilots as a screenwriter. She is represented by David Boxerbaum at Paradigm Talent Agency. The Oldest Soul - ANIMUS is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 4, 2016
Do you believe in reincarnation? Have you heard the phrase, someone is an “old soul”? What if science, with all of its many achievements could map the human genome back to the very first being, and that a soul could be quantified and dated, as well? Are there only a finite number of souls or are new ones created all the time? Pretty heavy pondering, huh? Welcome to Tiffany FitzHenrys’ world, The Oldest Soul – Animus where one contemporary seventeen-year-old girl discovers she possesses the oldest soul ever, and it does NOT make her popular with others who know who she is. Will Eve become a victim of science or evil? Does she have a soulmate that she may or may not recognize in each life, what will his reaction be to finding her once again? Is this the life that he gets the girl or will he become the defender and friend?
Watch the lines of fact and fiction blur as Ms. FitzHenry sets the tone, builds the atmosphere and creates characters that come to life with decidedly fascinating personalities. Eve has what it takes to be one standout character. Follow the trail of fantasy, humor, danger and suspense as one girl comes to terms with who she is, who she has been and how the choices she makes affects all around her. Well-written, fast-paced and filled with fascinating scenarios, who is to say there isn’t some truth in this fictional read?
I received this copy from Tiffany FitzHenry in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Hierarchy Publishing
Publication Date: October 23, 2015
ISBN: 1944216006
Genre: YA Paranormal
Print Length: 329 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Watch the lines of fact and fiction blur as Ms. FitzHenry sets the tone, builds the atmosphere and creates characters that come to life with decidedly fascinating personalities. Eve has what it takes to be one standout character. Follow the trail of fantasy, humor, danger and suspense as one girl comes to terms with who she is, who she has been and how the choices she makes affects all around her. Well-written, fast-paced and filled with fascinating scenarios, who is to say there isn’t some truth in this fictional read?
I received this copy from Tiffany FitzHenry in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Hierarchy Publishing
Publication Date: October 23, 2015
ISBN: 1944216006
Genre: YA Paranormal
Print Length: 329 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
June 5, 2016
My honest hope is to take readers on a fast-paced, mysterious ride, full of closely guarded historical secrets fictionalized into a world so unique it has to be experienced and stays with the reader, almost hauntingly, all while challenging, and inspiring and stirring some dormant sleeping place deep in all of us.
November 14, 2015
I fell in love with Eve's character by the end of chapter 1. The concept of soul mates, reincarnation and past lives is so unique and flat out fascinating! As you read this book it almost makes you feel something deep inside that makes you question "is this real". Highly recommend!
February 22, 2016
Such a fun concept...but I didn't like the execution...not yet anyhow.
It felt like the author had this grand idea and wrote all their favorite parts first, the questions posed to offer insight in life and death, a shared glance that can offer entire conversations, the gifts that come with reincarnation. Reading about parts of this, you know the author is just having a grand time coming up with this universe. But. It feels like the author forgot to invite us on the journey and share the adventure with her. Instead, just seeing the highlights from the trip.
Now sometimes I prefer a good parts version of a book. No question. This time though it just unbalanced. Major revelations it was done suddenly without enough information. Revelations about alternate realms would be limited to a page, and the main character would just accept that. Which is fine, but explain what the character instinctively knows to the rest of us, that's really interesting!
And as interesting as the world is, I only have an impression of what the author is seeing as she describes it. Other than a few times in the book, I don't know what people are wearing, what their surroundings look like, I have interactions, but no world.
Now it's still an interesting book and I want to find out what happens next, but I'm hoping that the next time the author invites me to join them in the journey instead of getting the photo album version.
It felt like the author had this grand idea and wrote all their favorite parts first, the questions posed to offer insight in life and death, a shared glance that can offer entire conversations, the gifts that come with reincarnation. Reading about parts of this, you know the author is just having a grand time coming up with this universe. But. It feels like the author forgot to invite us on the journey and share the adventure with her. Instead, just seeing the highlights from the trip.
Now sometimes I prefer a good parts version of a book. No question. This time though it just unbalanced. Major revelations it was done suddenly without enough information. Revelations about alternate realms would be limited to a page, and the main character would just accept that. Which is fine, but explain what the character instinctively knows to the rest of us, that's really interesting!
And as interesting as the world is, I only have an impression of what the author is seeing as she describes it. Other than a few times in the book, I don't know what people are wearing, what their surroundings look like, I have interactions, but no world.
Now it's still an interesting book and I want to find out what happens next, but I'm hoping that the next time the author invites me to join them in the journey instead of getting the photo album version.
January 6, 2016
This book was really a case of a happy accident, I took the soul test on Facebook, and was led to the book description. I found the premise to be exciting and something wholly original. The concept of aging a soul, recalling a past life and the people you travel with through lifetimes has always been fascinating. The author does an amazing job keeping all of the narrative threads together and weaving the concepts of many ideologies together without being divisive or preachy. This story is swift, suspenseful, humorous, and smart. I read the entire book in 6 hours because I couldn't put it down. I even messaged the author pleading for the release date of the 2nd book in the series! You should read this book if you are looking for a fun but engaging novel that has a much to do with hope and love as it does with fighting. If you love the Divergent series, or the Goddess Test series, this book is right up your alley. Seriously well done, I cannot wait for the other 2!
November 23, 2015
Just finished reading this book. First of all I could not put it down, the pace just made me tear through the pages. I liked it so much, I can not wait to get my hands on book 2! Eve is such an incredible hero and all the other characters just feel so real, you ghet really invested in their lives and are left wanting more. By the last pages you're wanting to slow it down but it's only speeding up, racing toward an end that leaves you literally breathless. Best book I've read since Divergent.
November 17, 2015
Honestly, this book will take you to places you've never been but somehow feel like maybe you have in the most amazing way. Reading it is like having a memory of a wish, it's hard to describe. It has to be experienced.
November 6, 2019
Maybe it's because I'm a writer. Maybe it's because I just finished reading The Lord of the Rings trilogy the night before picking up Animus. Maybe it's because I generally don't read first person fiction.
But since chapter 1, Animus has been a fast-paced disappointment.
Even for a first novel, it was astonishingly poorly executed. The main characters felt incredibly flat:
Eve = average teen girl with lots of insecurities and everyone hates her. Nothing ruffles her, but nothing motivates her, either. If it weren't for the occasional flashback to her past lives, there would be nothing interesting about her.
Roman = Mr. McDreamy. Tan. Muscular. Attractive. Level-headed. Understanding. He has no flaws!
Jude = the necessary guy who gets between the soul mates. At least in this version of a story with a love triangle, he's likeable.
Phoenix = has issues. Lots of them.
Plot events often felt random, and even for a fictional, apocalyptic world, I had to suspend my disbelief all the way to the other side of the galaxy in order to get through it. A 17-year-old girl able to buy a car without an adult's signature? Tsunamis that wash up to 50 miles inland? A snotty, modelesque teenage girl with no martial arts training beating another girl to the point of blood spraying across walls and pooling on floors? Pregnant women around the world spontaneously miscarrying and delivering stillborns? Even an apocalyptic world experiencing apocalyptic phenomena needs to have some scientific explanations.
I can see why it's a combination of The DaVinci Code and Twilight: it has all the promise of The DaVinci Code, and all the flaws of Twilight. Lots of potential, but it needed another few drafts of editing with a good writing group to knock off its MANY rough edges.
I don't usually have violent reactions to poorly-written books. But when said books reinforce the stereotype about authoring careers being a joke? I can't risk someone else reading such a book, tossed in a bag destined for a thrift store. This one's going in the garbage.
But since chapter 1, Animus has been a fast-paced disappointment.
Even for a first novel, it was astonishingly poorly executed. The main characters felt incredibly flat:
Eve = average teen girl with lots of insecurities and everyone hates her. Nothing ruffles her, but nothing motivates her, either. If it weren't for the occasional flashback to her past lives, there would be nothing interesting about her.
Roman = Mr. McDreamy. Tan. Muscular. Attractive. Level-headed. Understanding. He has no flaws!
Jude = the necessary guy who gets between the soul mates. At least in this version of a story with a love triangle, he's likeable.
Phoenix = has issues. Lots of them.
Plot events often felt random, and even for a fictional, apocalyptic world, I had to suspend my disbelief all the way to the other side of the galaxy in order to get through it. A 17-year-old girl able to buy a car without an adult's signature? Tsunamis that wash up to 50 miles inland? A snotty, modelesque teenage girl with no martial arts training beating another girl to the point of blood spraying across walls and pooling on floors? Pregnant women around the world spontaneously miscarrying and delivering stillborns? Even an apocalyptic world experiencing apocalyptic phenomena needs to have some scientific explanations.
I can see why it's a combination of The DaVinci Code and Twilight: it has all the promise of The DaVinci Code, and all the flaws of Twilight. Lots of potential, but it needed another few drafts of editing with a good writing group to knock off its MANY rough edges.
I don't usually have violent reactions to poorly-written books. But when said books reinforce the stereotype about authoring careers being a joke? I can't risk someone else reading such a book, tossed in a bag destined for a thrift store. This one's going in the garbage.
September 30, 2019
I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended if you’re looking for a quickly paced, page turner. Watch out Katniss Everdeen, Evelyn O’Cleirich is here!
February 3, 2016
For full review please go to: 5girlsbookreviews.blogspot.com, Twitter @camartinez and Facebook "5 Girls Book Reviews"
REVIEW BY: Arianna, age 13 years, 1 month
MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:
This book was wonderful, but had me confused a lot. At times I couldn't understand what certain scenes contributed to the book.
My favorite character was Jude because he sounded like a generally cool guy to hang out with.
My favorite part was when Shamas destroyed the Queen Bee colony because the detail was incredible.
REVIEW BY: Arianna, age 13 years, 1 month
MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:
This book was wonderful, but had me confused a lot. At times I couldn't understand what certain scenes contributed to the book.
My favorite character was Jude because he sounded like a generally cool guy to hang out with.
My favorite part was when Shamas destroyed the Queen Bee colony because the detail was incredible.
February 8, 2016
I’m always commenting on how unique the books I agree to review are and this one is no different. I’m really not playing this up, this is truly one of a kind and I’m happy I had the chance to read it. I’ll admit, this is a bit out of my genre and I probably would not have ever picked up this book on my own. That being said, this is a prime example of how it is possible to write a good review for a book you may not have necessarily liked.
The first point I’m going to highlight is the editing. This was a great book for any grammar Nazi to read. I’m really not one who cares much for punctuation—I can five-star the worst edited book if the story is good enough! Don’t get me wrong, I’ll certainly point it out in my review, but I’m a reader that’s gripped only by the story and this story happened to have both great editing and great writing. It deserves an awesome rating just for that.
The next point is the characterization. FitzHenry had to work out a personality for a girl who’d been reliving life over the course of centuries. That’s something I can barely wrap my head around but it was done well. I really liked Eve and I liked the play on her name as the oldest soul, it felt like an homage to Eve from the Bible as the first female on earth.
The last thing I liked very much was the actual story itself. I do believe in souls and a certain extent of the supernatural—maybe even the concept of soulmates. I’m Christian after all! But I don’t at all believe in reincarnation so I took this in as a complete work of fiction. I’m not sure if the author’s intention was to have this interpreted as purely fiction, because there are belief systems that wholly swear by reincarnation, but for me it was fiction. And it was great fiction. I will say that there is a great amount of knowledge and depth poured into this book. If you don’t know much about the concept of reincarnation, then you will learn a bit here along with the input of the author’s amazing imagination.
The Oldest Soul is about a teenage girl named Eve. Eve happens to be the oldest soul on earth which is all cool but the trouble comes when she realizes she is helplessly torn between her ‘soulmate’ and a new romance with a recently discovered soul. It’s a classic love triangle right down to the soul. I’ve read that this book has been compared to Twilight as a cross between Twilight and The Da Vinci Code. I completely agree with that! It’s like Twilight for the thinking reader—I don’t mean much offense by that!
This is a book I would recommend to young adult readers who love romance and a bit of suspense. It’s definitely a refreshing departure from your average sci-fi or supernatural romance and you’ll love every word of it.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
The first point I’m going to highlight is the editing. This was a great book for any grammar Nazi to read. I’m really not one who cares much for punctuation—I can five-star the worst edited book if the story is good enough! Don’t get me wrong, I’ll certainly point it out in my review, but I’m a reader that’s gripped only by the story and this story happened to have both great editing and great writing. It deserves an awesome rating just for that.
The next point is the characterization. FitzHenry had to work out a personality for a girl who’d been reliving life over the course of centuries. That’s something I can barely wrap my head around but it was done well. I really liked Eve and I liked the play on her name as the oldest soul, it felt like an homage to Eve from the Bible as the first female on earth.
The last thing I liked very much was the actual story itself. I do believe in souls and a certain extent of the supernatural—maybe even the concept of soulmates. I’m Christian after all! But I don’t at all believe in reincarnation so I took this in as a complete work of fiction. I’m not sure if the author’s intention was to have this interpreted as purely fiction, because there are belief systems that wholly swear by reincarnation, but for me it was fiction. And it was great fiction. I will say that there is a great amount of knowledge and depth poured into this book. If you don’t know much about the concept of reincarnation, then you will learn a bit here along with the input of the author’s amazing imagination.
The Oldest Soul is about a teenage girl named Eve. Eve happens to be the oldest soul on earth which is all cool but the trouble comes when she realizes she is helplessly torn between her ‘soulmate’ and a new romance with a recently discovered soul. It’s a classic love triangle right down to the soul. I’ve read that this book has been compared to Twilight as a cross between Twilight and The Da Vinci Code. I completely agree with that! It’s like Twilight for the thinking reader—I don’t mean much offense by that!
This is a book I would recommend to young adult readers who love romance and a bit of suspense. It’s definitely a refreshing departure from your average sci-fi or supernatural romance and you’ll love every word of it.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
February 15, 2019
A great idea, completely ruined by the gratingly juvenile style of writing.
Written as a boy meets girl; gushing American teen style, completely out of sync with the basic premise of the excellent idea. Even the unbelievable names grate on the nerves: Zeppelin for instance.
A real, unfullfilled struggle to see if anything profound, or even remotely interesting happens
Reads like someone called Tiffany had written it... Oh wait...!!!
Written as a boy meets girl; gushing American teen style, completely out of sync with the basic premise of the excellent idea. Even the unbelievable names grate on the nerves: Zeppelin for instance.
A real, unfullfilled struggle to see if anything profound, or even remotely interesting happens
Reads like someone called Tiffany had written it... Oh wait...!!!
August 3, 2016
Truly enjoyable.
This book is a page turner. The story moves along at a nice clip with each chapter having a nice little reveal. The ending drove me nuts because I know that I've absolutely GOT to buy the next one and it's not out yet. Some great and imaginative characterizations of the different lifetime levels afterwards though. Really looking forward to book two.
This book is a page turner. The story moves along at a nice clip with each chapter having a nice little reveal. The ending drove me nuts because I know that I've absolutely GOT to buy the next one and it's not out yet. Some great and imaginative characterizations of the different lifetime levels afterwards though. Really looking forward to book two.
August 18, 2018
I can't even finish this book. Great concept, poor execution. The writing style is incredibly awkward and the events do not unfold naturally. Even the dialogue is extremely awkward and really difficult to read. I had to stop. When I read the description I was definitely intrigued but sadly I have been let down.
June 12, 2017
For a paperback this book is quite expensive. I paid through Book Depository around $25.70 but I didn't mind as it sounded interesting. Don't make the same mistake. It was not worth it. The story is immature and has no depth to it. Very disappointing.
April 4, 2016
This was SO good! Although I am left wondering in there going to be another book? I can't find the answer anywhere! If someone does know please let me know
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May 5, 2016One of the best books ever!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mkTcWR-... for my review :)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mkTcWR-... for my review :)
May 14, 2016
I LOVED reading this book!!! I couldn't put it down until I had read the last page. Such an original subject matter. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
July 5, 2016
Really liked this book, can't wait to read book 2.
July 5, 2016
Fascinating read, highly anticipating the next installment.
February 9, 2020
Insightful!
This was definitely one of those books that makes you think about existence, and human nature. I can't wait to read what happens next.
This was definitely one of those books that makes you think about existence, and human nature. I can't wait to read what happens next.
May 9, 2016
Interesting concept - well executed
December 18, 2017
Actual rating 3.5
Not a bad start to a series! I love the ideas behind it and how everything is all connected. I found sometimes that Eve could tend to drag on for a bit more than necessary, making too many comparisons etc.
Not a bad start to a series! I love the ideas behind it and how everything is all connected. I found sometimes that Eve could tend to drag on for a bit more than necessary, making too many comparisons etc.
August 22, 2018
Between 2.5 and 3 stars. It's alright.
December 3, 2017
Wow!!!
Enlightening. It makes one look at existence from another perspective entirely. It has an air of truth to it. Possibilities. ...
Enlightening. It makes one look at existence from another perspective entirely. It has an air of truth to it. Possibilities. ...
February 23, 2018
It all happened so quickly
I felt as swept up and confused as Eve through the book but, like Eve, irresistibly compelled forward. I was quite surprised when it ended and am going to start the next on immediately.
I felt as swept up and confused as Eve through the book but, like Eve, irresistibly compelled forward. I was quite surprised when it ended and am going to start the next on immediately.
May 5, 2017
This was a book that happened to me. I was on Facebook and saw a quiz about how old is your Soul. I was intrigued by this. Once I discovered it was premise for a book I wanted to read it. Fiction is not generally what I read unless there is some spiritual basis to the story. This book covers that. Overall I found the story actioned packed, thought provoking and enveloping. Look forward to reading the second book.
March 6, 2017
Enlightening Information
It started a little slow, then it grabbed me and kept me guessing. Waiting for the second one, should have it soon.
It started a little slow, then it grabbed me and kept me guessing. Waiting for the second one, should have it soon.
January 2, 2017
Okay, so, before I go into why I gave this four stars, a few things I didn't like.
~The first half was a little slow, and the second half was a little fast. Not too big a deal, but kind of annoying.
~Love triangle (you could, if pressed, make a - weak - argument for there not being a love triangle, but by my definition, there was a love triangle, and I despise those on principle. Sorry.)
~The sentence structure and punctuation was, in some places, very...odd. I had to stop several times and scratch my head, because there wasn't a comma where one would have made it more understandable, or two sentences would have made more sense than one, or similar things.
~There were some time jumps that occasionally made it hard to follow. It might be because I got maybe three hours of sleep as I was reading it, but I don't think so. Things would change very quickly in one sentence. One very long sentence that had maybe two or three words buried somewhere inside it that explained what was happening. If you missed them, you spent some time wondering what in the world you just missed, because nothing makes sense anymore.
~The speed with which the main character trusted her "soul mate." I get that there's an explanation for it (one that, incidentally, is far more believable than most of the ones you see), but having shown no real progression of the friendship, and despite them having known each other for two months, it still struck me as unrealistic.
But despite my complaints, I gave it four stars anyway. Mostly because the general feel of the book was so intriguing. Every once in a while, I'll find a book where the feel of it alone is enough for me to really like it. I usually come back to those several times. I think this is such a book. Eve is a very interesting character that has a touch of humor, which I appreciated, and is very much stuck inside her own head. Most of the "action" so to speak, takes place there in the first half or so. Which is why I found it rather slow-moving, while at the same time, certain things happened unrealistically fast.
As the story is told in first person, you see the devastation and destruction from only one point of view - Eve's. This makes the catastrophes seem very real. The type of catastrophes are intriguing as well, although I do think that the story could have benefited from the characters not having the catastrophes explained so quickly. And through all of this, you have a main character that really isn't like the people around her. I would guess that's why a reader is so very much inside her head; you don't fully grasp the strangeness without it.
I look forward to reading the second book, and I hope the author accomplishes much the same feel in it; if the feel of the book appeals to me, like this did, it can cover a multitude of complaints.
~The first half was a little slow, and the second half was a little fast. Not too big a deal, but kind of annoying.
~Love triangle (you could, if pressed, make a - weak - argument for there not being a love triangle, but by my definition, there was a love triangle, and I despise those on principle. Sorry.)
~The sentence structure and punctuation was, in some places, very...odd. I had to stop several times and scratch my head, because there wasn't a comma where one would have made it more understandable, or two sentences would have made more sense than one, or similar things.
~There were some time jumps that occasionally made it hard to follow. It might be because I got maybe three hours of sleep as I was reading it, but I don't think so. Things would change very quickly in one sentence. One very long sentence that had maybe two or three words buried somewhere inside it that explained what was happening. If you missed them, you spent some time wondering what in the world you just missed, because nothing makes sense anymore.
~The speed with which the main character trusted her "soul mate." I get that there's an explanation for it (one that, incidentally, is far more believable than most of the ones you see), but having shown no real progression of the friendship, and despite them having known each other for two months, it still struck me as unrealistic.
But despite my complaints, I gave it four stars anyway. Mostly because the general feel of the book was so intriguing. Every once in a while, I'll find a book where the feel of it alone is enough for me to really like it. I usually come back to those several times. I think this is such a book. Eve is a very interesting character that has a touch of humor, which I appreciated, and is very much stuck inside her own head. Most of the "action" so to speak, takes place there in the first half or so. Which is why I found it rather slow-moving, while at the same time, certain things happened unrealistically fast.
As the story is told in first person, you see the devastation and destruction from only one point of view - Eve's. This makes the catastrophes seem very real. The type of catastrophes are intriguing as well, although I do think that the story could have benefited from the characters not having the catastrophes explained so quickly. And through all of this, you have a main character that really isn't like the people around her. I would guess that's why a reader is so very much inside her head; you don't fully grasp the strangeness without it.
I look forward to reading the second book, and I hope the author accomplishes much the same feel in it; if the feel of the book appeals to me, like this did, it can cover a multitude of complaints.
October 7, 2016
Reviewed by AlliesOpinions on Wordpress!
“The Oldest Soul” is one of those books that is entertaining but also thought provoking. Putting aside the controversy of the existence of a soul and looking at the aftermath if there is a soul is more of what I felt this book was about. Not so much religion but more a weaving of science and myth. There are some quotes from the Christian Bible but for the most part I felt this story was more speculative fiction than anything.
Fitzhenry does a great job of world building in this book but there are a few things that I think could be left out or delivered in a more organized way. Mainly, the bible quotes could stand to be edited out. It’s confusing within the context of the story. The Christian religion and reincarnation don’t walk hand and hand. As someone who is familiar with the religion, when Fitzhenry would drop a bible quote or have dialogue that referenced Christianity, it pulled me out of the book. Instead of adding a thread of realism to the story it pulls away from the believabilty of it. Too many contradictions.
Eve needs to be fleshed out a bit more as well. Her personality comes across and bland and dry in most of the book. I really want to like her but I feel like I have more questions about her than answers. I feel the same with many of the supporting characters.
The premise of this story is fascinating! The blurb caught my eye immediately and could definitely go on to be a best seller. It’s a great subject for science fiction to flesh out. I really want to know more and will definitely keep reading. Fitzhenry has a goldmine here if she will do just a bit more tweaking to the story to fine tune it. The cover is awesome though!
“The Oldest Soul” is one of those books that is entertaining but also thought provoking. Putting aside the controversy of the existence of a soul and looking at the aftermath if there is a soul is more of what I felt this book was about. Not so much religion but more a weaving of science and myth. There are some quotes from the Christian Bible but for the most part I felt this story was more speculative fiction than anything.
Fitzhenry does a great job of world building in this book but there are a few things that I think could be left out or delivered in a more organized way. Mainly, the bible quotes could stand to be edited out. It’s confusing within the context of the story. The Christian religion and reincarnation don’t walk hand and hand. As someone who is familiar with the religion, when Fitzhenry would drop a bible quote or have dialogue that referenced Christianity, it pulled me out of the book. Instead of adding a thread of realism to the story it pulls away from the believabilty of it. Too many contradictions.
Eve needs to be fleshed out a bit more as well. Her personality comes across and bland and dry in most of the book. I really want to like her but I feel like I have more questions about her than answers. I feel the same with many of the supporting characters.
The premise of this story is fascinating! The blurb caught my eye immediately and could definitely go on to be a best seller. It’s a great subject for science fiction to flesh out. I really want to know more and will definitely keep reading. Fitzhenry has a goldmine here if she will do just a bit more tweaking to the story to fine tune it. The cover is awesome though!
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