I was sent Soulmates by Nicole Dykes as she was asking for people to review her second book (Fate), and kindly sent me the first book in the series so I could read that first. Another book review on Fate by Nicole Dykes will be coming shortly. Although, this book was given to me for review, I will review the book honestly without bias. This is a review that attempts to explain themes that I believe emerged in the book. Although, I attempt to steer clear of spoilers, some overarching themes I have explored may delve into spoiler town. Please read with caution if you are not wanting spoilers.
Published: March 22nd 2015 by Nicole Dykes
Page Length: 122 pages (Kindle edition)
Series: Book #1 Soulmates series
Written in the POV of Maddie (Fate is written in POV of Jake)
I think it is important to first start by saying that Nicole sent me Soulmates after first asking if I was okay that the book would have explicit scenes and contains strong language. Obviously, I had no issue with this, but I think it is appropriate to state, as the characters in the book are more of a younger age (12-17), yet the book may not be appropriate for and audience of that age to read (although it may well be suitable also I just think it is important to mention). In saying this, I feel that themes that emerge in the book are around 'coming of age', and could be relatable to a younger audience.
Some themes in the book are as follows:
Coming of Age:
The book follows a series of characters (two main characters named Jake and Maddie), who have grown up together. The book starts at exploring their friendships when they are young children (briefly), and the follows a group of friends from around the age of 12-17. Some of the coming of age issues that they come across in the book are; sexuality, identity, role confusion (Where do I fit in?), gender roles, and peer pressure. It appears that although the characters are portrayed as being involved in adult activities/choices (ie. sex), that they go about these choices and actions in rather a childish manner. An example of this, is when it is stated multiple times in the book that Maddie is often seen as the 'mum' of the group, yet she still evokes in childish activities of 'name calling'. This is not an insult, but rather a reflection of the age group of the characters being in that 'between' age group. They are not quite adult, yet they are not children. I think the book portrayed this point very well, and I found myself at times shocked at the level of maturity characters showed (especially Maddie), but then at other times being flung back into reality to remember that they are still young adults.
Slut Shaming/ Bullying:
This book explored characters losing their virginity. Some of the characters appeared to have no hangups about losing their virginity, yet some characters struggled in deciding when/if they wanted to have sex. Maddie was shown to struggle with this throughout the book; she felt that herself, and her friends were too young to be having sex, yet she did not want to be left out, and felt the pressure of her friends to 'lose it'. It felt at times that there was bullying or an expectation that you HAD to have sex to fit in. I feel this issue was explored very well, and could be applied (unfortunately) to that age group. Working as a counsellor myself I understand the pressures that other peers can put on young adults at school, and the inner conflict on whether to succumb to fit in, or to be true to your own wishes and be excluded/ridiculed.
First Love/ Relationships
In the book, although casual relationships/flings were discussed; relationships and love were also explored. The love between friends, lovers, family etc were all explored in the book. The book explored love in all of it's forms, whether it seemed like 'perfect' love, or when love goes wrong (divorce). I think the author showed different kinds of love, and this was done very well, and with sensitivity.
Death/ Endings
The book explored death in its purest form, as well as other endings (ie. when the characters leave high school for college/university/work). I do not want to go into too much depth here for fear of spoilers, but I think the book accurately portrayed the rawness of death, and endings, and how people can bond together over these times in order to make the change more bearable.
What I thought:
I adored this book fullstop. Although initially being concerned of the mature content the book explores, I think that having a disclaimer will mean the book reaches it's target audience. My measure of 'rating' a book is by if a book can make me feel in any shape or form. Although, I feel like the characters were in a different life stage to me, I often found myself feeling admiration towards the characters sticking up for what they believe in (even when they were criticized for it), sad at the struggles people can find themselves in within the in between stage of life, anger at certain characters and how they behaved, and in awe of the strength the characters had in facing adverse life events. I read this book in one sitting (although it is short I was also highly engrossed). I am looking forward to reading and reviewing the next book- watch this space!
5/5- Kudos to the author :)
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