There are bumps in the actual story arc of Soul Machine by Jordana Globerman. It feels as if this was book two or there was some sort of introduction in a previous book. We are never truly told what The Soul is (outside of assuming it is one’s “spiritual” soul), what the machine our cast of character use actually does, who are the customers of the company (outside of people, but why do they need them is not explained) and the characters, especially their backgrounds, are never completely fleshed out. The description compares it to Wrinkle in Time and Brave New World, though I would say it has more humor, but not in a “laugh out loud” way, but more lighter in presentation and a few “off center” jokes that are not joke-jokes but clever use of language.
It was an interesting read, but not necessarily a WOW read. Honestly, it might take more than one reading to get all the pieces to fit together. I was not a huge fan of any of the characters as nobody (not even our “good guys”) felt likable and the casual drug use was off putting to me. I am going to say it is best for at least ages 10 to 15-16, but it could be a bit intense for the younger end of that age group.
What captured my attention and interest was the use of or lack thereof of color. There are several sections with each having its own major color scheme. The old word (our main character, her sister, their home) is in one color, the city in another (a nauseating pepto bismol pink, but fits the world to perfection) and the natural world is in a third color. Within these main sections there are other places where other colors are used to set tones, ideas and action but might not fit the main theme of color. Mostly the details are background pieces and not there to do anything but give our cast of characters some place to use to show different scenes.
Overall, I did not love or dislike this graphic novel. I felt it was an experience book that everyone takes away from what they put into it, and various degrees of likability will come from that.
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