I got accepted to review this book years ago, but unfortunately never got around to reading it. Apologies for this.

Review originally posted on September 13, 2018:

I guess we can all be sort of wrong once in a while... Or maybe I just grew to like Meda since I made myself stick with the book...

And I already bought the sequel...

*kicking self for not finishing it earlier*

OLD THOUGHTS:

I guess this is the first time where I seriously don't get it. I started reading this book because my friends all seemed to like it and well, it did sound up my alley. But then I found myself disinterested in the characters, the dialogue annoyed me (Meda thinks a bit too highly of herself, doesn't she?) and the side characters are possibly even worse (specially the guys--the only one I sort of could stand was Jo and mostly because she was dead on with not trusting in Meda--kill Chi).

"Mom only wanted me to kill people who deserved it, and my morality's flexible enough to toss the self-defense (and everyone knows the best defense is a good offence... my morality is almost a contortionist)."

Because of little snipbits of the dialogue above I wanted to power through the novel, Meda is a fucked up chick with severe mommy issues. But often times instead of the dialogue making me chuckle or smile it made me cringe, like it was trying too hard. It was like Meda going every other sentence like this "I am bad, I am bad, I am really really bad, ain't I awesomely bad?" YES YOU ARE, NOW SHUT UP.

The grand explanation for mythology on the Templar's background, for example how they are able to pass powers unto their future generation? Because god said so *cue the dark ages*

Also the insane amount of info dumping on the first 20% of the title really didn't help matters for me. I am done with half assed world development and mythology building. Life is too short to spend on books you do not enjoy, and so I am bowing out of this one. I have a paperback copy as well as an e-ARC, so we shall see if I give it another go sometime this year. Though I find it very unlikely.

Meda is a typical teen ... looking for where she belongs and fits in. But Meda is not typical ... she eats souls.
She tries to only eat the souls of the people who deserve it - or at least that's what she tells herself - but the truth is, she enjoys it. Her mother told her that the two of them were the only soul-eaters, and when her mother died Meda assumed she was the only soul eater in the world. ...Until she faced three boys who were a lot like herself. In fact, she likely would have died if not for the rescue by a teenage crusader who is trying to prove to his ability to fight in the crusade against evil.
Meda feels a little caught in the middle - she'd like to learn more about who she is, and the boys who attacked her may hold the truth about her ability, but she can't ignore the rescue and the friendly nature of the young crusader.
Meda is taken into confidence by the 'good guys' and since she's pretty sure she's actually one of the bad guys she plans to use the time to gather as much information about herself, her past, and the battle that is apparently going on around her. But the more she learns, the more her life is turned upside down and the line between the bad guys and the good guys becomes increasingly blurred.
Cracked is outstanding YA fiction.
Meda fits the stereotype of a YA character - she thinks no one understands her (and she's probably right, in this case) and she's a bit lost, trying to find her path in life. But she stands out in a plethora of YA literature because she's not simpering or morose. She is cautious but at the same time a little reckless (when she needs to feed on souls).
The supporting characters are equally interesting and unique. Typically we have a male supporting character who is so handsome the female lead just can't help herself from falling in love, or he is too good to be true - sacrificing himself for our lead. But here our male supporting character is a bit goofy and geeky, but puts forth a good effort. The female supporting character does have the somewhat expected combative attitude toward Meda, which creates some nice conflict, but she also has some depth to her character rather than just being a foil for Meda.
I haven't enjoyed a YA fantasy as much as this in a very long time. Author Eliza Crewe gives us a well-written, interesting, exciting story with refreshing characters. It's a fun read.
Looking for a good book? Cracked, by Eliza Crewe is worth looking for if you like strong YA characters in an exciting story.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Original plot, great premise and characters.
You will not be able to put this book down!
Well written and the writing style keeps the pages turning faster than you would like!

Why can't we have more books/characters like these?!

Finally someone who gives no shits about being 'bad'. She needs to eat souls to survive, well so be it, lets eat some damn souls and I'll be damn well enjoying it too! Does she feel bad about it? Heck no. It's who she is and that's all there is to it. FINALLY.

Besides my new found crush on Meda, this was pretty good. Great action, nice plot, and more importantly excellent new found friendships.

May I just say that ending KILLED ME.

:(

I loved the premise of this book, and the hook. The writing was fast paced, and the world was unique. I love reading about monster girls!

Such an interesting concept. Totally something I'd recommend to my students.

When we first meet Meda (short for Adromeda), she is in an insane asylum on a mission of revenge for a ghost. She plans on killing a sadistic guard, eat his soul and leave. That plan goes awry when three demons come calling. She escapes with the aid of Chi, Jo, and Uri, all Templar (think demon hunters in training) recruits. But the demons trace them back to the Mountain Park facility and attack. Once again the party manages to escape, but now they have a mission to bring Meda to Wisconsin, but instead wander to Washington, DC., where Meda learns more than she want to know about her paternal and maternal heritage. When I have time I will need to check and see if the 2nd book in the series is out.