Teens will thrill to the suspense that Miranda coils around a solid plot. . . . A surprising new sf thriller with just enough of a touch of romance.” —Booklist
“The author gives thoughtful readers deep philosophical questions to chew on and thrill-seekers the high-octane pace they crave . . . A thought-provoking, action-packed novel.” —School Library Journal
“Absorbing adventure . . . a heady mixture of consistent action, well-timed reveals, and unpredictable twists.” —BCCB
“Miranda's riveting plot drives to an equally tense climax as she gracefully weaves together themes of suffering, compassion, jealousy, friendship, and trust. The fluid writing, empathetic characters, and big questions raised elevate this paranormal romance into a haunting meditation on what it means to be human and to truly live.” —starred review, Publishers Weekly on FRACTURE
“Readers will think about Fracture hours, perhaps days, after they complete it. The writing is excellent.” —Examiner.com
“The science angle gives this mystery a fresh, intriguing twist, and Delaney's intelligent first-person voice and sensitive reflections deepen it. Teens will respond to Delaney as she negotiates the changes that fracture lives and create beginnings as well as endings.” —The Washington Post on FRACTURE
“A compelling psychological thriller . . . fresh, addicting, and smart.” —VOYA on HYSTERIA
“An atmospheric thriller, ripe with tension.” —Kirkus Reviews on HYSTERIA
“Questions the reliability of memory, the insidiousness of guilt, and what it truly means to be haunted.” —Publishers Weekly on HYSTERIA
04/01/2015
Gr 7 Up—In this speculative thriller, scientists are able to test a soul's DNA to determine the identities of its past lives. But what if a soul once belonged to a dangerous criminal? Is that person doomed to repeat a soul's mistakes? Seventeen-year-old Alina Chase has been held prisoner on a secluded island for most of her life, paying for the sins of her soul. Although the state assures her it is for her own protection, Alina knows it is because the world is afraid of her. When three strangers sneak her off the island, Alina is determined to clear her own name, no matter what. The opening of the book, as Miranda sets out the groundwork of the story, is a little clunky. The awkward exposition might leave some readers feeling confused or frustrated. However, once the background is in place, it serves as a solid foundation for the rest of the novel. The author gives thoughtful readers deep philosophical questions to chew on and thrill-seekers the high-octane pace they crave. In addition, those who are looking for diversity will find Alina's Hispanic heritage refreshing in this all-too-monochromatic genre. VERDICT A thought-provoking, action-packed novel, Soulprint would be a viable addition to growing dystopian collections.—Leighanne Law, Scriber Lake High School, WA
2014-11-04
One of life's great ethical questions is considered in this novel, with mixed results. Alina Chase has spent her whole life being blamed for something that happened before she was born. In a time when souls can be tracked from one life to the next, Alina's soul was previously June Calahan, who broke into the soul-registry database and allegedly blackmailed powerful figures with criminal pasts. June's crime was so heinous that Alina has grown up in confinement in an island prison. When she is rescued by oddly friendly former guard Dominic and Cameron and Casey, a pair of siblings with their own agenda, Alina is hopeful that she might finally escape June's shadow. But it's not so simple when it's revealed that Dominic has his own connection with June, and he wants Alina to hack back into the soul database. That sends Alina on the run with Cameron and Casey. A romance with Cameron will give Alina the strength to find out the truth about June—and hopefully finally break free. The story's success rests on readers' ability to accept the fear that June still inspires, which many may find extreme. The villains are from the mustache-twirling school, but Alina, Casey and Cameron are well-drawn. A perfectly competent thriller for those who can suspend disbelief. (Thriller. 14-18)
