Book Review: Shattered Soul by Jennifer Snyder

Shattered Soul
Author: Jennifer Snyder
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Romance
Released: May 14th 2011
Review Source: Purchased
Available: Amazon

Summary: (from goodreads) Hellish Nightmare...

If seventeen-year-old Seth Bradson were to describe his life in two words, those would be the two he’d choose. Seth prefers to cope with his crappy existence by spending his days in a drug-induced haze. But when Ali Carson steps into his life, Seth finds something he’s subconsciously been seeking—a new drug, one that consumes his mind unlike any other.

Love.

In a moment of unforgivable weakness, Seth allows Ali to try crystal meth, his most addictive temptation. This single event begins the unraveling of both their lives and forces Seth to learn the definition of regret the hard way.

Seth is a very sad soul. His alcoholic mother doesn't care about him or what he does, his brother beats him up and is a major drug head. He is in love with a girl (Ali) that he feels is totally out of reach and has a cop for a Dad! A lot of this book takes place in Seth's head, but that actually makes this book quite interesting. Seth knows that the path that he is going down is headed for trouble. It is headed for a life like his mother and his brother. He knows that he does not want this for himself. However, he is unsure of how to change it and maybe just go about life as he only knows.

This story tells of a boy who only knows bad, but whose girlfriend tries to right his wrongs. Shattered Soul is masterful at making you feel Seth's raw feelings and brings you right into his head with a roller coaster of emotions and affections. Gut wrenching indeed. Seth allows his girlfriend to try crystal meth, one mistake that he will never forget. Their lives begin to spiral into a whirlwind like they never imagined. Regret and fear instantly flood into his mind. Will she make it through? Will he able to hold on to her if she does?

If you like a story that is true to life and very realistic, Shattered Soul is the book for you. Many ups and downs, pushes and pulls and yes, I did tear up a few times. Even though I did not have that type of an upbringing, I can see how children in today's society can easily get wrapped up into this type of lifestyle. Great writing Jennifer Snyder, I will definitely be a repeat customer!