I Wasn't A Project. I Wasn't An Experiment. I Wasn't A Blasted Butterfly

Imagine being born into a world where everyone knows you, and you're constantly reminded of how unwelcome you are. Ana is a "no soul", someone who was not reincarnated. In her world everyone has lived thousands of lives because once they die, they are reincarnated. Different body, same soul. The day Ana was born, Ciana died for good. Devastated, the community wasn't sure how to react, but from what she's heard, Ana knows she's disliked.

After living with her mother for eighteen years, Ana journeys out on her own to the city of Heart in order to find some answers. On the way, she encounters spyths(ghost like creatures that can burn and kill), and many near death experiences, but she also finds Sam. There is as softness about him, and the more the two travel together the more she discovers about him. Although Sam defends her, there are still people inside and outside of Heart that do not welcome Ana's presence. As the weeks go on, she desperately searches for answers of her past and future. When an old friend comes back into the picture, it threatens to take away all she's worked for, and the new love she's found.

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows was a very interesting read. I had it on my shelfari shelf for a few months, and finally managed to get to reading it. What struck me was the subject because it was very different. As I was reading the first chapter, I found myself being bored and confused, but with these books I tend to stick it out. I am glad I did.
It is difficult to understand Ana's dilemma because it is so unnatural. She is truly alone; the only person in her world that is a new soul. The terrible abuse her mother put her through leaves Ana with not choice but to trust no one. Readers can tell immediately that her spirit is fragile. Even when Sam shows her nothing but kindness, Ana's first instinct is to run.
This book has a great deal of self-discovery moments, and the tension between Ana and Sam is incredible. I fell in love with the concept, plus the idea of music being part of a person's soul is very easy to relate to. You as a reader are always skeptical of the surroundings because Ana is, but Sam is always the sure thing. Everyone needs a friend like Sam :)
Such a cool story. Definitely a change from the recent subjects, but worth a look.