Soundless: Richelle Mead

I was lucky enough to receive Soundless: A Sneak Peak 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 peak 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.