Soundless

Richelle Mead

Nov 2015 · Sold by Penguin

About this ebook

A NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER

From Richelle Mead, the #1 internationally bestselling author of Vampire Academy and Bloodlines, comes a breathtaking new fantasy perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Laini Taylor and Sabaa Tahir.
 
"Fans of characters like Rose Hathaway and Sydney Sage will flock to this impressive stand-alone novel."
--Booklist

For as long as Fei can remember, there has been no sound in her village, where rocky terrain and frequent avalanches prevent residents from self-sustaining. Fei and her people are at the mercy of a zipline that carries food up the treacherous cliffs from Beiguo, a mysterious faraway kingdom.
 
When villagers begin to lose their sight, deliveries from the zipline shrink and many go hungry. Fei’s home, the people she loves, and her entire existence is plunged into crisis, under threat of darkness and starvation.
 
But soon Fei is awoken in the night by a searing noise, and sound becomes her weapon.
 
Richelle Mead takes readers on a triumphant journey from the peak of Fei’s jagged mountain village to the valley of Beiguo, where a startling truth and an unlikely romance will change her life forever....

Ratings and reviews

I was lucky enough to receive Soundless: A Sneak Peek by Richelle Mead. I have been looking forward to this book since it was announced. Fei and her sister Zhang Jing are apprentices in the art program. They get better lodging, food, and clothing. They take the news of the previous day and put it into pictures for the whole village to look at (they are stationed all around the village to observe only). The villagers all lost their hearing many years ago. Everyone speaks using sign language. Now some of the villagers are losing their eye sight. It is mostly the miners which means that less precious metals are coming out of the mines. What they mine is sent down the mountain (via zip line) to pay for their supplies (food). Their rations are being cut (because of less precious metals). Now Zhang’s sight is going (her observation post is in the mine) and Fei is afraid her sister will get thrown out of the program (which means she will be a beggar since their parents are deceased). Something needs to be done to help the people in the village (they live on a mountain that is impossible to climb up or down). Li Wei is a miner (and talented carver). He is in love with Fei (and Fei with Li) but they cannot be together (because Fei joined the artists). What is going to happen to the villagers? Is there a way to improve life for everyone? Why are people losing their sight (something in the mines)? Will Fei and Li ever be able to be together? I just received a sneak peek of the book, but it was enough to tell me that I was not going to enjoy this book. The romance portion seems to dominate the book. I cannot believe that this is the same writer who wrote those other wonderful books. I was just disappointed. I can only give Soundless 2.75 out of 5 stars. Maybe it gets better. I just did not enjoy what I read. The story seems very simple and it lacks depth. The story reminded me of fairytales I read when I was younger. I think younger readers (tweens) will enjoy this novel more than the adults. I received a complimentary copy of Soundless from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

It definitely had me reading at an unstoppable pace! I just had to finish! Although romantically obvious, I think it's an easier read compared to actual Chinese novels. I would definitely read the sequel if there would be one. :)

This book was hard for me to get in to at first, but as I kept reading it hooked me. It is a beautiful story about a brave young woman who goes on a scary and trying adventure to save her village and finds love in the process.

About the author

Richelle Mead is the author of the international #1 bestselling Vampire Academy series and its bestselling spinoff series, Bloodlines. A lifelong reader, Richelle has always had a particular fascination with mythology and folklore. When she can actually tear herself away from books (either reading or writing them), she enjoys bad reality TV, traveling, trying interesting cocktails, and shopping for dresses to wear on tour. She is a self-professed coffee addict, works in her pajamas, and has a passion for all things wacky and humorous. Originally from Michigan, Richelle now lives in Seattle, Washington, where she is hard at work on her next novel. Visit www.RichelleMead.com to find out more.