Soulprint

Starred review from November 24, 2014
Miranda (Vengeance) introduces a heroine with a strong voice and a thirst for freedom, thrust among a vividly delineated supporting cast with competing agendas. In a future where reincarnation can be scientifically tracked, 17-year-old half-Hispanic Alina Chase has spent her life isolated, allegedly for her own protection. She carries within her the soul of a charismatic and destructive whistleblower turned blackmailer, June Calahan. Broken out of confinement by a daring trio barely older than she is, Alina finds she still cannot escape June’s shadow—her rescuers want her to access the soul database that June used for her crimes. The beauty of Miranda’s latest novel is in watching Alina, unused to human relationships, fall in love, earn trust, and form fast friendships in a high-adrenaline atmosphere, as she and her companions fight to stay ahead of the authorities while following the trail left by June. Miranda also serves up plenty of tense thrills, ranging from Alina’s underwater escape from the island where she was held to her cutting a tracker out of a friend’s flesh. Ages 12–up. Agent: Sarah Davies, Greenhouse Literary Agency.

November 15, 2014
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)

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April 1, 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

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