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Someone Else's Soul
There are 14 strangers who share her face, and one company is determined to erase them all.
Everyone has secrets, and it's Diana Kane's job to know them. It's a talent--being able to see into someone's life from the scuffs on their shoes to the way they hold their hands--a talent that sets her apart from everyone. When a mysterious stranger drops into her life dangling the possibility of something she’s longed for, a real connection with someone who might actually understand her, she’s too intrigued to refuse.
But when David Addington shows up to their date knowing too much about her, and the top secret agency she works for, Diana realizes their meeting was anything but coincidence. David has more than his share of surprises, including an impossible claim about Diana’s past and photos of an inexplicable woman who shares her face.
When her life begins to unravel around her, Diana has no choice but to put her faith in the mysterious David and the man he claims is his father. As she struggles to piece together the truth about where she came from, she’s forced to face the reality that her entire life has been manufactured, along with fourteen other women who share her exact same DNA. Confronted with the troubling reality that she’s nothing more than a research experiment that’s pushed the boundaries of science and ethics, Diana must rescue the others like her before the company can erase them as mistakes. She will have to put all her skills to the test in the ultimate game of survival...
Everyone has secrets, and it's Diana Kane's job to know them. It's a talent--being able to see into someone's life from the scuffs on their shoes to the way they hold their hands--a talent that sets her apart from everyone. When a mysterious stranger drops into her life dangling the possibility of something she’s longed for, a real connection with someone who might actually understand her, she’s too intrigued to refuse.
But when David Addington shows up to their date knowing too much about her, and the top secret agency she works for, Diana realizes their meeting was anything but coincidence. David has more than his share of surprises, including an impossible claim about Diana’s past and photos of an inexplicable woman who shares her face.
When her life begins to unravel around her, Diana has no choice but to put her faith in the mysterious David and the man he claims is his father. As she struggles to piece together the truth about where she came from, she’s forced to face the reality that her entire life has been manufactured, along with fourteen other women who share her exact same DNA. Confronted with the troubling reality that she’s nothing more than a research experiment that’s pushed the boundaries of science and ethics, Diana must rescue the others like her before the company can erase them as mistakes. She will have to put all her skills to the test in the ultimate game of survival...
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2019
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About the author
Meradeth Houston
16 books276 followersMeradeth Houston lives in Montana where she’s an anthropology professor and scientist. If you let her, she’ll tell you more than you ever wanted to know about getting DNA out of dead stuff. She enjoys escaping the snow by imagining herself back in her favorite places in her home state of California, with a little drama or supernatural flare added in.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 9, 2019
From the minute I began reading this book I struggled to really get into it and I kept wondering what it was about the book that was 'off', considering the premise of the book is interesting, the writing is good and it is fast paced as well.
Turns out it's the characters and their development (or lack of it). Okay so I get it that almost all the major characters here are 'clones' who are being hunted to be exterminated by the company who created them. Considering that these 'clones' have spent half their lives as normal humans unaware that they are clones (especially Diana who really has no clue at all until David informs her of the reality) , so when they do get to know the truth their reaction to it is well.....there really is no reaction at all! No freaking out episodes, no emotion...nothing! They just accept it so easily which is kind of disturbing.
Also, even though the premise is interesting, the plot execution is pretty straightforward with almost no twists and turns and the climax/ ending is just that with a bit of ambiguity whether there will be a sequel to this book or not. This book reads like the countless made for TV action movies I have watched...good fun while it lasts. If there is a sequel to this book, I will not mind reading it just to see where it takes the characters next.
I read that the author is a molecular anthropologist which means she sequences dead people's DNA. Which is so cool! I hope she writes a book (if she hasn't already) based on that.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for providing me with an e-ARC of the book. I sincerely hope my review made sense!
Turns out it's the characters and their development (or lack of it). Okay so I get it that almost all the major characters here are 'clones' who are being hunted to be exterminated by the company who created them. Considering that these 'clones' have spent half their lives as normal humans unaware that they are clones (especially Diana who really has no clue at all until David informs her of the reality) , so when they do get to know the truth their reaction to it is well.....there really is no reaction at all! No freaking out episodes, no emotion...nothing! They just accept it so easily which is kind of disturbing.
Also, even though the premise is interesting, the plot execution is pretty straightforward with almost no twists and turns and the climax/ ending is just that with a bit of ambiguity whether there will be a sequel to this book or not. This book reads like the countless made for TV action movies I have watched...good fun while it lasts. If there is a sequel to this book, I will not mind reading it just to see where it takes the characters next.
I read that the author is a molecular anthropologist which means she sequences dead people's DNA. Which is so cool! I hope she writes a book (if she hasn't already) based on that.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for providing me with an e-ARC of the book. I sincerely hope my review made sense!
February 1, 2019
If you're a fan of cover to cover action with no time taken out to develop the characters or the plot, then this is the book for you!
The characters are vapid.
The plot is devoid of depth.
The writing itself is not bad.
The unexceptional ending lends to there being a second book.
This book had a lot of potential based on the description but the execution was unimaginable and exhausting.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The characters are vapid.
The plot is devoid of depth.
The writing itself is not bad.
The unexceptional ending lends to there being a second book.
This book had a lot of potential based on the description but the execution was unimaginable and exhausting.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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September 23, 2019ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
DNF at page 155 from 253
PROS:
• Fast paced.
• Good writing.
CONS:
• Too much action. I mean, c'mon, let me breathe and give me something else too.
• The repetition of "father/clone", or something like this, it drove me crazy! Really, I understood that he was a clone!
• No character development. Besides some brief things and moments where I was actually told who was who, most of the times I was confused about who I was reading.
OVERALL THOUGHTS:
• I was very intrigued by the synopsis of this book and couldn't wait to read it.
• I loved the first, let's say about 60 pages because I was just flying through them and loved almost every word, but at some point, I have just lost my interest in it. There seemed to be no plot, just a chain of action.
• As I had mentioned in my CONS, the repetition of " father/clone" was just slowly killing my brain. Was a huge turn-off from this book!
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DNF at page 155 from 253
PROS:
• Fast paced.
• Good writing.
CONS:
• Too much action. I mean, c'mon, let me breathe and give me something else too.
• The repetition of "father/clone", or something like this, it drove me crazy! Really, I understood that he was a clone!
• No character development. Besides some brief things and moments where I was actually told who was who, most of the times I was confused about who I was reading.
OVERALL THOUGHTS:
• I was very intrigued by the synopsis of this book and couldn't wait to read it.
• I loved the first, let's say about 60 pages because I was just flying through them and loved almost every word, but at some point, I have just lost my interest in it. There seemed to be no plot, just a chain of action.
• As I had mentioned in my CONS, the repetition of " father/clone" was just slowly killing my brain. Was a huge turn-off from this book!
You can follow my TWITTER
If you want to support me, you can check my WHISHLIST
July 1, 2019
3.5 Stars.
A fast paced and entertaining read, although a bit too unbelievable at points. It's somewhat sci-fi and follows main characters Diana and David as they race to save several clones. With these types of books I always allow for a little bit of unbelievable, but some of the plot points on this one didn't always add up or make sense. But, the book had a lot of action and there were not any dull moments. I didn't really get into any of the characters and I was not invested in any of their outcomes, but again, this is the type of book you read for fun. It reminds me of some action movies where there the story is somewhat secondary to the action, which is not necessarily a bad thing, considering the book did move along nicely. I think this is a good summer vacay read.
A fast paced and entertaining read, although a bit too unbelievable at points. It's somewhat sci-fi and follows main characters Diana and David as they race to save several clones. With these types of books I always allow for a little bit of unbelievable, but some of the plot points on this one didn't always add up or make sense. But, the book had a lot of action and there were not any dull moments. I didn't really get into any of the characters and I was not invested in any of their outcomes, but again, this is the type of book you read for fun. It reminds me of some action movies where there the story is somewhat secondary to the action, which is not necessarily a bad thing, considering the book did move along nicely. I think this is a good summer vacay read.
October 25, 2018
This was my first book by author Meradeth Houston, but it won't be my last!! I am already stalking her pages to see when the next book is coming out! This book left the reader on the edge of their seat, frantically zooming through the pages to see what was going to happen next, while at the same time never wanting the story to end! It was one of those books that you need to immediately re-read to see what you missed the first time that you sped through it!
The author grabs the readers attention from the very start and never lets it go! The reader instantly becomes a part of the pages of the book! Diana and David along with the others in their "experiment" group are in danger and it takes all of their combined skills to survive. Diana and David feel a connection, but don't know if they will survive long enough to act on it and Diana's identical sisters are all feeling the pinch of the bad guys. Are the lab created sisters a mistake? Or are they an amazing creation that needs to be shown to the world?
The pace of this story is non-stop and keeps the reader guessing throughout the story. The author takes the reader on a looping, curving, non-stop roller coaster ride that leaves them breathless, full of emotion and ready to take on the world for the characters. My only complaint, if it can be a complaint, is that the book is too short! I wanted it to last forever! I wanted to continue on with the characters and see where they headed next! I hope the author decides to write more about these characters and plot in the future, because I WANT more!! Be prepared to have a massive book hangover after reading this one - it's inevitable! A Must Read by a new favorite author (of mine anyway)!
Review done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our fan site at http://www.facebook.com
The author grabs the readers attention from the very start and never lets it go! The reader instantly becomes a part of the pages of the book! Diana and David along with the others in their "experiment" group are in danger and it takes all of their combined skills to survive. Diana and David feel a connection, but don't know if they will survive long enough to act on it and Diana's identical sisters are all feeling the pinch of the bad guys. Are the lab created sisters a mistake? Or are they an amazing creation that needs to be shown to the world?
The pace of this story is non-stop and keeps the reader guessing throughout the story. The author takes the reader on a looping, curving, non-stop roller coaster ride that leaves them breathless, full of emotion and ready to take on the world for the characters. My only complaint, if it can be a complaint, is that the book is too short! I wanted it to last forever! I wanted to continue on with the characters and see where they headed next! I hope the author decides to write more about these characters and plot in the future, because I WANT more!! Be prepared to have a massive book hangover after reading this one - it's inevitable! A Must Read by a new favorite author (of mine anyway)!
Review done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our fan site at http://www.facebook.com
May 12, 2019
This is the first book by this author and I enjoyed it! This isn’t a genre I usually read but after reading the synopsis, I was curious. You meet Diana. Diana discovers some information about herself that puts herself in danger. She doesn’t know who she can trusts. Diana sets out to find out the truth. This book was a suspense and action packed ride! I thought it was a fun read. A nice escape from reality. A different read and it was a nice change up. I thought the concept was unique. I look forward to reading more from this author. I give this 5 stars!
January 12, 2019
I am not sure how to describe this book, is it scifi or a thriller? Perhaps the best description is dystopian… It surely is a strange world that Diana and David inhabit. Diana works in security but she has additional strengths in her capability to intuit information about those around her and absorb and analyse masses of data – almost like a super-power. When she meets David they have an instant rapport and it is soon apparent that they have similar powers. Long story short – David’s father informs them that they are clones and that he was involved in the science many years ago. Now they as third generation clones are being tracked down with a view to eliminating them, but also the other clones that are identical to them must be found and murdered.
I want to say that this is well-written, with great characterisation. It is certainly a roller-coaster ride with the trio outwitting and escaping only to be foiled again. What really jarred for me at the beginning of the book was Diana’s over-use of the term ‘cliché’ – it really did astound me. I cannot make up my mind whether or not I like Diana but hands down my favourite character was Sarah, she was adorable. Obviously I cannot reveal who I loathed because that would be a spoiler alert.
Whilst reading what struck me was how clever the whole plot is: a brilliant idea and the science bit is not overwhelming or incomprehensible. One final thing, I found the ending to be very abrupt, not really a resolution. Silly me, that does leave the opportunity to revisit Diana and David, so I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a follow-up.
Would I recommend reading this? I think so, as it is quite absorbing, well-written despite the ‘clichés’
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
I want to say that this is well-written, with great characterisation. It is certainly a roller-coaster ride with the trio outwitting and escaping only to be foiled again. What really jarred for me at the beginning of the book was Diana’s over-use of the term ‘cliché’ – it really did astound me. I cannot make up my mind whether or not I like Diana but hands down my favourite character was Sarah, she was adorable. Obviously I cannot reveal who I loathed because that would be a spoiler alert.
Whilst reading what struck me was how clever the whole plot is: a brilliant idea and the science bit is not overwhelming or incomprehensible. One final thing, I found the ending to be very abrupt, not really a resolution. Silly me, that does leave the opportunity to revisit Diana and David, so I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a follow-up.
Would I recommend reading this? I think so, as it is quite absorbing, well-written despite the ‘clichés’
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
January 5, 2019
This is an excellent Sci fi novel action packed from the beginning, well developed characters and plenty of romance. Diana discovers she's a clone when she meets David at a coffee shop. This revelation leads to a high speed race to save the other clones and attempt to destroy the company that persecute them.
I loved how tough and bad ass Diane is. She doesn't hesitate to protect those she cares about and never gives up the fight. David is also an incredible partner who is also ruthless and fights right along her.
The story weaves around the moral question about whether clones are real humans and if they have souls. After reading the way Diana fights to save her sisters and their kids there is no question, she is just as human as anyone. Excellent novel! A definite must read.
I loved how tough and bad ass Diane is. She doesn't hesitate to protect those she cares about and never gives up the fight. David is also an incredible partner who is also ruthless and fights right along her.
The story weaves around the moral question about whether clones are real humans and if they have souls. After reading the way Diana fights to save her sisters and their kids there is no question, she is just as human as anyone. Excellent novel! A definite must read.
March 3, 2019
This book grabbed me within the first chapter, which is important to me. If I have to force myself through several chapters to keep reading a book, I lose interested and feel like my time was wasted.
Within a few pages, I knew I wasn’t going to be able to put this book down.
I enjoyed the characters, and actually felt sad and disappointed when I came to find out the truth behind one of them.
The author does a good job of explaining how the main character, Diana, feels and provides great insight into what makes her tick. That makes the book more enjoyable to read, because oftentimes an author can lose the reader or find it hard to allow the reader to relate to such a unique and complex character.
Within a few pages, I knew I wasn’t going to be able to put this book down.
I enjoyed the characters, and actually felt sad and disappointed when I came to find out the truth behind one of them.
The author does a good job of explaining how the main character, Diana, feels and provides great insight into what makes her tick. That makes the book more enjoyable to read, because oftentimes an author can lose the reader or find it hard to allow the reader to relate to such a unique and complex character.
May 22, 2019
If you could be another person, totally different from who you are (but still a super person, of course!), why not choose to be what some call a "nerd," with a twist---as in "intellectual badass"! Indeed, this is the main character, Diana, in accomplished author Meradeth Houston's latest sci-fi mystery thriller, SOMEONE ELSE'S SOUL. An agent for a huge secret agency, Diana has a brilliant mind and can intuit people's characters and motives using her perceptive, acute, on-the-spot observations of body language and can follow up on hunches with an arsenal of mind-bending actions. A series of mysterious, engaging emails begin arriving and it is apparent that someone has been watching her–watching her as closely as she watches others. Intrigued, because she enjoys the repartee and the insights the sender is sharing, she decided to meet him. A wonderful insight into her multilayered character follows: "Of the handful of men I’d dated throughout college and grad school, none were able to handle me; the way my brain worked, the fact that secrets just didn’t work when I could read every little thing about them in their body language, or even the way they hung their coat. I couldn’t turn it off, even when I wanted to. I’d hoped this might be different. I wanted a connection; I wanted someone who could connect and understood the way I ticked." Discovering that she might be only a clone in the service of her secret employer that deals in life and death, Diana decides to save the others like her, her clones, before they are eliminated by her own agency as experiments gone bad. Houston's academic scientific background (university professor of forensic anthrology) comes into play to great effect here, with her grasp of details and her ability to describe vividly what most of us overlook without even noticing, giving readers a gasp of recognition. Here are two favorite quotes (there are so many!) from her snappy conversations and interior monologues: "Best of all, I had a new email to read, as soon as I washed the blood off my hands."…and "I was only armed with my knife and my heels." For readers who like their science fiction with a big dose of authentic reality, backed up with details so logical that they can believe it could actually be true, this is the book for them. SOMEONE ELSE'S SOUL is a riveting adventure into the future, served with a big helping of heart and empathy and a perfect addition of intelligent romance. Kudos to Houston's in-depth characterizations and plot twists and turns for making this a believable and engaging read!
May 7, 2019
Someone Else’s Soul by Meradeth Houston
Diana Kane is an agent for a big company and seems to do a number of jobs similar to an undercover agent. She is at an event when David Addington introduces himself. The story he tells her is one she finds highly unlikely until...things change. Gradually this turns into more sci-fi than romantic suspense though it does remain an adventure packed thriller from beginning to end. With two companies competing, clones having been created now to be “deleted”, clones to be saved and more going on this was an interesting story that I wished had a bit more depth. I would have liked to get to know Diana and David better and perhaps have had an epilogue or perhaps an indication this is just book one in a series so I would know whether or not the two and their look alike clones might eventually have the opportunity for longevity.
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read a second book if this was a series? I think so
Thank you to NetGalley and Bleeding Ink Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
Diana Kane is an agent for a big company and seems to do a number of jobs similar to an undercover agent. She is at an event when David Addington introduces himself. The story he tells her is one she finds highly unlikely until...things change. Gradually this turns into more sci-fi than romantic suspense though it does remain an adventure packed thriller from beginning to end. With two companies competing, clones having been created now to be “deleted”, clones to be saved and more going on this was an interesting story that I wished had a bit more depth. I would have liked to get to know Diana and David better and perhaps have had an epilogue or perhaps an indication this is just book one in a series so I would know whether or not the two and their look alike clones might eventually have the opportunity for longevity.
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read a second book if this was a series? I think so
Thank you to NetGalley and Bleeding Ink Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
July 15, 2019
Loved it! A fast moving story with plenty of surprises throughout. More in the line of sci fi thriller.
This story is about a woman called Diana Kane who is able to profile people and see into their lives .The company she works for isn't what she thinks as she discovers when she meets David Addington. He tells her about other women that exist that have her same dna and face. Now she must decide whether to trust him or not and find the others before the company can kill them all to keep their secrets. Kept my interest throughout and was very entertaining.
This story is about a woman called Diana Kane who is able to profile people and see into their lives .The company she works for isn't what she thinks as she discovers when she meets David Addington. He tells her about other women that exist that have her same dna and face. Now she must decide whether to trust him or not and find the others before the company can kill them all to keep their secrets. Kept my interest throughout and was very entertaining.
August 3, 2019
Ah-mazing. Full Review Coming soon...
April 29, 2019
Diana Kane has a way of knowing everyone's secrets which makes her a fantastic spy. Nothing can distract her from her job. Yet when a handsome stranger shows her photos of another woman with a face identical to her own, she must discover what's going on. Through unraveling secret after secret, it could bring her to her own death.
I'm a huge fan of the sci-fi thriller, Orphan Black, and this has a similar bend to it, but tugs in something more spiritual. Diana is a clone made from the DNA of an incredibly gifted scientist from a company that thinks the clones no more than products. Products which now have to be eliminated since they've perfected the vessels they need to start selling them to the rich. She's not the only clone. The handsome David is also one, but he was raised by his DNA donor and has known all along what he was. Diana struggles with trust on all levels, and I loved reading how she wrestled with everything that was going on. It's a fast paced plot with lots of action, and plenty to make you think of where science is taking us and the spiritual implications.
I received a free copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
I'm a huge fan of the sci-fi thriller, Orphan Black, and this has a similar bend to it, but tugs in something more spiritual. Diana is a clone made from the DNA of an incredibly gifted scientist from a company that thinks the clones no more than products. Products which now have to be eliminated since they've perfected the vessels they need to start selling them to the rich. She's not the only clone. The handsome David is also one, but he was raised by his DNA donor and has known all along what he was. Diana struggles with trust on all levels, and I loved reading how she wrestled with everything that was going on. It's a fast paced plot with lots of action, and plenty to make you think of where science is taking us and the spiritual implications.
I received a free copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
April 17, 2019
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for providing me w/ this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I'm not really sure why some of the reviews for this book are so poor. I thought this book was super interesting! The story drew me in immediately from the start and kept my attention through out. I would describe this as part Sci-Fi and part Thriller. I don't really want to say too much about the plot because I think this is one of those books that the less you know the better. I enjoyed the main character and her interactions with the other characters. I look forward to reading more from Meradeth Houston, this was a fun read!
January 21, 2019
Disclaimer: I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
THE GOOD: The premise of cloning people, and what would you do if you discovered you were, in fact, a clone? The MC, Diana, is seemingly off-the-charts OCD and on the spectrum as she catalogs EVERYTHING, but puts the information to good use in her position to take down bad guys. I loved this part of her since I'm also on the spectrum and sometimes can't shut down the flow of information.
The novel's pacing was excellent as it kept me turning pages and reading the book in one sitting. I loved how Diana didn't have everything figured out, but drew on her intelligence to make deductions and figure out how to get out of bad situations while on the run. She questions everything and rightly so, which heightens the tension and suspense. I even loved the ending, leaving it open for a sequel.
THE NOT-SO-GOOD:
1. At the beginning of the book, Diana's best friend, referred to (in different places) as Celine, Celina, and even Cecelia, which lowered my confidence in the author.
2. Any plausible explanation of how they split the soul, or theories postulated as to how the bad guys' "master plan" will work. The characters discussed the results of this aspect in depth, but I personally wanted more detail as to the process since this was the entire premise.
3. The betrayal of a character who came in toward the end. Yet no discussion ensued (internally or externally) after the betrayal, nor did Diana question her total misreading of that character, because she questions everything else, even minutiae. This aspect felt totally inauthentic to the rest of the book given it led to a pivotal point. If the matter came down to word count, other areas could have been cut to give this subject its due.
4. The cliches. If the author (or editor) had edited for cliches alone, this simple change would have greatly enhanced the prose.
For me, the novel had a fantastic opportunity to rate a solid four or five stars. But given the above Not-So-Good, it's a solid three stars as stands. I'd definitely read a sequel, though, to see how the story progressed.
THE GOOD: The premise of cloning people, and what would you do if you discovered you were, in fact, a clone? The MC, Diana, is seemingly off-the-charts OCD and on the spectrum as she catalogs EVERYTHING, but puts the information to good use in her position to take down bad guys. I loved this part of her since I'm also on the spectrum and sometimes can't shut down the flow of information.
The novel's pacing was excellent as it kept me turning pages and reading the book in one sitting. I loved how Diana didn't have everything figured out, but drew on her intelligence to make deductions and figure out how to get out of bad situations while on the run. She questions everything and rightly so, which heightens the tension and suspense. I even loved the ending, leaving it open for a sequel.
THE NOT-SO-GOOD:
1. At the beginning of the book, Diana's best friend, referred to (in different places) as Celine, Celina, and even Cecelia, which lowered my confidence in the author.
2. Any plausible explanation of how they split the soul, or theories postulated as to how the bad guys' "master plan" will work. The characters discussed the results of this aspect in depth, but I personally wanted more detail as to the process since this was the entire premise.
3. The betrayal of a character who came in toward the end. Yet no discussion ensued (internally or externally) after the betrayal, nor did Diana question her total misreading of that character, because she questions everything else, even minutiae. This aspect felt totally inauthentic to the rest of the book given it led to a pivotal point. If the matter came down to word count, other areas could have been cut to give this subject its due.
4. The cliches. If the author (or editor) had edited for cliches alone, this simple change would have greatly enhanced the prose.
For me, the novel had a fantastic opportunity to rate a solid four or five stars. But given the above Not-So-Good, it's a solid three stars as stands. I'd definitely read a sequel, though, to see how the story progressed.
February 10, 2019
I had high hopes for Someone Else's Soul. The story was good but felt stifling. It's like when you get in an elevator with too many people, and it's just too much at once in the tiny space. The plot is intriguing but much too much. A sparse narrative would have been better. I'm not a fan of overdone, so I had a hard time connecting with this story. Too much action and cliches and unnecessary jumble. Not enough development and characterization. I can't recommend this one unless you are looking for crammed and jammed. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2019
Diana, an agent at Global Incentives, has an acute awareness of details and badly longs for human connection. When she receives an anonymous email that catches her attention, she engages. Especially because he also plays “the same puzzle Game with the world” where snippets of data are gathered to create a larger picture. Eventually, Diana meets her stranger. His name, he reveals, is David, and he has crucial information about Diana that she is unaware of. David reveals that Diana is actually a clone, but even more frighteningly, the company behind the clone productions is hunting her, and her fellow clones, with orders to kill on sight. A few of the clones are still alive, though, so Diana, David, and a man David claims to be his father go on a mission to save the clones.
This story is definitely action-packed. Cover to cover there is fighting, running, explosions, and so much more. I was definitely entertained by the characters being on the run and dealing with very sticky situations. On the other hand and because of the sheer amount of action, I felt the author sacrificed developing the characters' personalities. The beginning of the novel started out spectacularly with copious amounts of information about Diana. Although, this “Game” she plays and continues to play throughout the book is sort of ambiguous and confusing. I utterly disliked that aspect.
Overall, I felt the writing was fluid, the dialogue was believable, and the plot was acceptable, but it did come across as a rejected Black Mirror episode. With that being said, I think this could have been a very effective novella instead of a full novel.
I would recommend this book to those inclined to enjoy an action/adventure book, unless you are sensitive to curse words. I would also not recommend this book to those looking for fleshed-out characters and a well-developed plot.
* Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers, and the author for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. *
This story is definitely action-packed. Cover to cover there is fighting, running, explosions, and so much more. I was definitely entertained by the characters being on the run and dealing with very sticky situations. On the other hand and because of the sheer amount of action, I felt the author sacrificed developing the characters' personalities. The beginning of the novel started out spectacularly with copious amounts of information about Diana. Although, this “Game” she plays and continues to play throughout the book is sort of ambiguous and confusing. I utterly disliked that aspect.
Overall, I felt the writing was fluid, the dialogue was believable, and the plot was acceptable, but it did come across as a rejected Black Mirror episode. With that being said, I think this could have been a very effective novella instead of a full novel.
I would recommend this book to those inclined to enjoy an action/adventure book, unless you are sensitive to curse words. I would also not recommend this book to those looking for fleshed-out characters and a well-developed plot.
* Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers, and the author for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. *
December 30, 2018
I got this book thanks to Netgalley, but, unfortunately, it didn’t hit the spot.
I felt like this book was a lot of action but no plot. Scenes happened in rapid succession but since I didn’t really care about the characters, the action didn’t mean a thing to me. But let’s back up. Diana kept mentioning “the Game”. Was that ever properly explained? No. What was up with her freaky observation skills? That wasn’t even explained once she met her root (which, let me say this, how did she pass herself off as her root when she made a huge deal about describing her as someone who looked old? There were SO many pieces like this that just didn’t quite make sense and stood out.)
I didn’t feel a real connection to the main character because I was so overwhelmed by all the craziness going on. I’m all for fast-paced books, but this was ahead of itself and tried to cram so much in that the characters and plot lacked significant depth. I’d compare it to a later Transformers movie—tons of explosions and gunshots but nothing is actually happening.
It definitely felt like a waste of time to read and I skimmed quite a few pages to just hurry up and finish.
I felt like this book was a lot of action but no plot. Scenes happened in rapid succession but since I didn’t really care about the characters, the action didn’t mean a thing to me. But let’s back up. Diana kept mentioning “the Game”. Was that ever properly explained? No. What was up with her freaky observation skills? That wasn’t even explained once she met her root (which, let me say this, how did she pass herself off as her root when she made a huge deal about describing her as someone who looked old? There were SO many pieces like this that just didn’t quite make sense and stood out.)
I didn’t feel a real connection to the main character because I was so overwhelmed by all the craziness going on. I’m all for fast-paced books, but this was ahead of itself and tried to cram so much in that the characters and plot lacked significant depth. I’d compare it to a later Transformers movie—tons of explosions and gunshots but nothing is actually happening.
It definitely felt like a waste of time to read and I skimmed quite a few pages to just hurry up and finish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2019
I wish I could say I enjoyed this book more than I did. Although I did enjoy parts of it, It just didn’t hold my attention as I thought it might.. I will not say it wasn’t a good book, as there are plenty of genres I love and others not so much. This just wasn’t for me. It seemed a little too far fetched, and not believable. I wouldn’t discourage anyone from reading as we all have our preference. The style is very well done and easy to read.
Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this book, in return for my honest review.
Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this book, in return for my honest review.
November 22, 2019
great book! If you like multiple POVs with nonstop action that will suck you in and not let you go, this is the book for you! I loved that there was no lagging parts to this book. It jumped from action scene to action scene! The character development is slow but that helps to make this book that much more unique. it is more about the action and overall plan. This author is newer to me, but her stories never disappoint! I cant wait to read more by her!
September 9, 2021
Everyone has secrets right? Well, so does Someone Else's Soul. Here we find 14 strangers to contend with and all of whom are very well-crated characters.
Intriguing storyline and most definitely one I enjoyed reading.
Intriguing storyline and most definitely one I enjoyed reading.
June 19, 2022
It was a gripping read that I couldn’t put down.
May 28, 2019
When I received the ARC from the Bleeding Ink Press at the 2018 Denver Comic Con I was beyond honored. The cover of Someone Else’s Soul was enough to draw me in and make me an immediate fan of Meradeth Houston.
The main character, Diana, is a cunning spy with a particular set of skills which complement each other in a way that makes her a pro at what she does. When she meets a long-time correspondent in person, the world as she knows it rests in trusting this handsome stranger and his father.
The journey Houston takes us on in this novel is full of fast turns, and narrowing getaways. I love being on the edge of my seat when reading, while also stealing moments to notice the budding romance (or just plain attraction) between Diana and David.
I found Diana to be relatable, smart, believably calculated, with a reasonable head on her shoulders. Houston’s incorporation of small children in the midst of all this danger really pulled me in as a mom. I felt this simple inclusion is often omitted in science fiction thrillers because of how complicated things can get.
Three cheers and five stars from this action-adventure mama. Bravo Maredeth.
The main character, Diana, is a cunning spy with a particular set of skills which complement each other in a way that makes her a pro at what she does. When she meets a long-time correspondent in person, the world as she knows it rests in trusting this handsome stranger and his father.
The journey Houston takes us on in this novel is full of fast turns, and narrowing getaways. I love being on the edge of my seat when reading, while also stealing moments to notice the budding romance (or just plain attraction) between Diana and David.
I found Diana to be relatable, smart, believably calculated, with a reasonable head on her shoulders. Houston’s incorporation of small children in the midst of all this danger really pulled me in as a mom. I felt this simple inclusion is often omitted in science fiction thrillers because of how complicated things can get.
Three cheers and five stars from this action-adventure mama. Bravo Maredeth.
June 28, 2022
Thank you Meradeth for the win of your book. I am always ready for the excitement & adventure when I start reading. Loved this Sci Fi Novel. Cloning of people, weird, but yet so interesting. Twists & turns a real page turner! Definitely would love to see this one as a movie!
April 2, 2019
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher/author for this ARC for my honest review.
I had a hard time with this book. It’s not my typical goto genre, and that may be the reason. The storyline intrigued me, but I definitely came close to DNF’ing the book.
It was just okay. Nothing had me wowed or amazed.
I had a hard time with this book. It’s not my typical goto genre, and that may be the reason. The storyline intrigued me, but I definitely came close to DNF’ing the book.
It was just okay. Nothing had me wowed or amazed.
May 9, 2019
The description of this book intrigued me as I enjoy techno/sci-fi thrillers. Having said that I battled with this novel, picking it up and putting it down several times.
First person novels are not my favourite as many authors struggle to get the voice right, for me this book was no exception. Diane is clearly a hard-nosed analytical person, which would be interesting but I battled to connect with any of the characters. There was also some dialogue (minimal I'll grant you but jarring none the less) that seemed rather immature to me and not in keeping with the seriousness of the characters.
Without a doubt though, this is clearly the first in a series, I seriously hope when the synopsis goes up on Amazon etc that it states so. From what I have seen it is the bane of most readers' existence to get to the end of a book and have absolutely no resolution. Very few questions were answered in the first book, I was actually left with more questions than answers, this will not make me purchase the next book however.
I do not enjoy being critical of novels because I can only imagine the time and effort that went into such an endeavour and obviously it is only my opinion.
Many thanks to #Netgalley and #BleedingInkPublishers for the ARC of #SomeoneElse'sSoul in exchange for my honest review.
First person novels are not my favourite as many authors struggle to get the voice right, for me this book was no exception. Diane is clearly a hard-nosed analytical person, which would be interesting but I battled to connect with any of the characters. There was also some dialogue (minimal I'll grant you but jarring none the less) that seemed rather immature to me and not in keeping with the seriousness of the characters.
Without a doubt though, this is clearly the first in a series, I seriously hope when the synopsis goes up on Amazon etc that it states so. From what I have seen it is the bane of most readers' existence to get to the end of a book and have absolutely no resolution. Very few questions were answered in the first book, I was actually left with more questions than answers, this will not make me purchase the next book however.
I do not enjoy being critical of novels because I can only imagine the time and effort that went into such an endeavour and obviously it is only my opinion.
Many thanks to #Netgalley and #BleedingInkPublishers for the ARC of #SomeoneElse'sSoul in exchange for my honest review.
May 16, 2019
3 Stars 3/5
I found this book to be well-written and slightly interesting, but it was often confusing and hard to believe. Yes, cloning is something that our world is attempting to process, and I love a good mystery or suspense, but I just didn't find this book one for me. I think many readers will like it, but it was simply okay for me.
As this book was good, but just not of particular interest to me, I am rating it 3 stars. Check it out! It might just be what you're looking for in a mystery/fantasy.
I received a digital version of this book from netgalley and Bleeding Ink Publishing in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
I found this book to be well-written and slightly interesting, but it was often confusing and hard to believe. Yes, cloning is something that our world is attempting to process, and I love a good mystery or suspense, but I just didn't find this book one for me. I think many readers will like it, but it was simply okay for me.
As this book was good, but just not of particular interest to me, I am rating it 3 stars. Check it out! It might just be what you're looking for in a mystery/fantasy.
I received a digital version of this book from netgalley and Bleeding Ink Publishing in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
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