The Twisted Souls Series by Cege Smith

This is a unified collection of 4 books in the fantasy/dystopian genre and is suitable for mature young adults and up.

The world of Before must not be spoken of. All info pertaining to the events that led to the world After is kept by the Office of Souls on a strictly confidential basis. In the Territory of Malm children are born soulless, only receiving souls if won in a lottery or sometimes never at all. These soulless are disfigured and speechless; useless to society. Malcolm and Eve are ecstatic to have won a soul placement in the lottery and duly study the rituals and rights necessary in order for baby Cameron to receive her new soul from the Head Master at the fountain. What they didn't bargain for was a plot hatched by the evil Chim set to culminate on the important soul day which will have devastating consequences for not just those involved, but all others in the Territory.

The first book grabbed my attention immediately, with the idea of a civilisation changed so much from the Before, that not even procreation, unless authorised, was allowed. What could have been so shocking in the Before that in essence reset the world? Things move on at a good pace and the gist of good and evil as the main idea comes through. But then again both terms are very subjective. The second book starts lagging a bit with some YA romance thrown in that creates a bit of a diversion to the main story. Book 3 really slowed down and it felt like some pages were just there to take up space. Book 4 then comes and beautifully rounds off the series with twists and turns, action, heartache, camaraderie, love, loyalty and sacrifice, and it seems worth all the reading. Well almost worth it. I understand that these are 4 books put together and the reader has to be caught up on previous events, but if sold in one tome like this perhaps some editing could take place where one book leads directly into the next story and a whole horde of info is not repeated?

I did enjoy the story though. A good play on power corrupting morals and authority becoming unquestionable. I liked the different viewpoints in different chapters-it gave the reader a bigger perspective. A good climactic finale explains most of the questions a reader will have throughout the series. Well written with an easy to read pace and good use of editing.

Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to review the book.