A chosen few are able to freely travel between the land of the living and the land of spirits. The spirit realm acts as a multiverse full of diverse realms and possibilities. Ryoku Dragontalen, a normal teenage boy, has the ability to cross worlds, where spirits revere others like him as 'Defenders.' Ryoku seeks the aid of a young prisoner trapped somewhere in the spirit realm: Chris Olestine, the last existing link to his family, needs Ryoku's help to escape. In exchange, Chris claims he can find Ryoku's lost sister. However, matters take a confusing turn when spirits like the honorable Will Ramun and the scathing Sira Jessura claim to know Ryoku from somewhere before. The epidemic isn't just limited to them, either. The spirit realm knows Ryoku Dragontalen already. Could this information have to do with Ryoku's lost sister, or are there greater forces at work?
In *Akin Minds* by Anthony Mercier, Ryoku Dragontalen, an ordinary teenage boy, discovers his extraordinary ability to travel between the land of the living and the spirit realm. This realm is not just a mystical place but a multiverse filled with endless possibilities, where certain individuals like Ryoku, known as "Defenders," hold significant power. From the very start, Ryoku’s journey is driven by a deep personal quest: to find his lost sister. Along the way, he meets Chris Olestine, a prisoner in the spirit realm, who promises to help him find her in exchange for his freedom.
As Ryoku navigates through the complexities of the spirit realm, he encounters spirits like Will Ramun and Sira Jessura, who claim to know him from a past he cannot remember. This adds a layer of mystery, as it becomes clear that the spirit world already knows Ryoku, even if he is unaware of how. These characters bring depth to the story, as Ryoku's identity and purpose become central to the plot. The question that looms large: How is his past tied to the spirit realm, and what role does it play in finding his sister?
The novel is a thrilling mix of fantasy and self-discovery. As Ryoku explores this vast multiverse, the themes of family, identity, and destiny take center stage. The tension between trust and deception is palpable, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Chris’s promises and the spirits’ cryptic messages. *Akin Minds* is more than a fantastical adventure; it's a thought-provoking story that invites readers to reflect on their own connections with family and the mysteries of existence. Must Read
I was hooked from the cover and first page during this book, it had that element that I was looking for and was glad it was so well done. It was a strong start to the Sovereign Soul series and left me wanting to read more in this world. I was engaged with what was happening with the characters and was everything that I wanted in this type of journey. Anthony Mercier has a strong writing style and had that concept that I was looking for.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.