In the dystopian landscape of young adult fiction, where stories of reincarnation and governmental control have become increasingly prevalent, Rebecca Danzenbaker’s debut novel Soulmatch emerges as a compelling entry that manages to feel both familiar and refreshingly original. Set two hundred years after World War III, this speculative romance weaves together themes of identity, political corruption, and the eternal question of whether we are truly defined by our past lives.
The World That Souls Built
Danzenbaker constructs a fascinating post-apocalyptic society where peace has been maintained through the soul-identification system known as “kirling.” Every eighteen-year-old must undergo this terrifying process to learn about their past lives, determining everything from their career path to their potential soulmate. The worldbuilding is intricate and thoughtfully executed, with terminology that feels authentic without being overwhelming. The concept of “folies” (former lives), “culi” (current life), and the SEIK database creates a believable infrastructure for this reincarnation-based society.
The author’s background in managing complex systems shines through in her meticulous attention to detail. The political structure, with its Advancement and Improvement parties, feels genuinely lived-in rather than simply constructed for plot convenience. The integration of technology like aura-reading and holographic displays creates a world that feels both futuristic and eerily plausible.
A Protagonist Worth Rooting For
Sivon’s characterization is perhaps the novel’s greatest strength. Her uncanny ability to win every chess match serves as both a compelling character trait and a clever metaphor for the larger game she finds herself playing. Danzenbaker avoids the trap of making her protagonist instantly perfect, instead crafting a young woman whose strategic mind is constantly at odds with her emotional vulnerability.
The chess metaphor permeates the entire narrative, and Danzenbaker wields it with impressive skill. Every relationship becomes a chess match, every political maneuver a calculated move, and every revelation a piece finally sliding into place. Sivon’s internal monologue, peppered with chess terminology and strategic thinking, feels authentic rather than forced.
The Romance That Redefines Soulmates
The romantic elements of Soulmatch transcend typical YA romance tropes by grounding the concept of soulmates in literal soul-matching rather than mere attraction. The slow-burn relationship between Sivon and her bodyguard Donovan develops with careful pacing that allows readers to feel the weight of their connection across multiple lifetimes.
Danzenbaker’s exploration of what it means to be soulmates goes beyond the superficial. The revelation that Sivon and Donovan are Krest and Flavinsky, souls who have been fighting to save each other across centuries, adds depth to their romance. Their relationship isn’t just about finding love—it’s about finally succeeding in a mission that has spanned multiple lifetimes.
The author skillfully contrasts this genuine connection with the manufactured relationship between Sivon and Janus, demonstrating how political manipulation can corrupt even the most sacred bonds. The scenes where Sivon realizes Janus’s true nature are particularly well-executed, showing her growth from naive teenager to shrewd strategist.
Political Intrigue That Feels Urgent
Where Soulmatch truly excels is in its political subplot, which never feels secondary to the romance. The conspiracy involving Prime Minister Mirovnik and his true identity as the traitorous Ladiron provides a satisfying mystery that rewards careful readers. Danzenbaker plants clues throughout the narrative without making the solution obvious, creating genuine surprise when revelations unfold.
The exploration of government corruption and soul manipulation feels particularly relevant in our current political climate. The idea that powerful individuals could literally steal the identities of better souls to maintain power is both chilling and believable within the established world.
Areas for Improvement
Despite its many strengths, Soulmatch isn’t without its flaws. The pacing occasionally stumbles, particularly in the middle section where political exposition sometimes overwhelms character development. Some readers may find certain plot revelations rely too heavily on convenient discoveries rather than organic character actions.
The supporting characters, while generally well-developed, occasionally feel like plot devices rather than fully realized individuals. Vivi and Corah, Sivon’s best friends, serve their purpose but lack the depth that would make them truly memorable. Similarly, some of the political figures blur together in their motivations and methods.
The novel’s climax, while emotionally satisfying, feels somewhat rushed compared to the careful buildup of the earlier chapters. Certain plot threads, particularly involving the R.A.I.D. attacks and the broader implications of soul manipulation, could have benefited from more thorough exploration.
Writing Style and Technical Execution
Danzenbaker’s prose is clean and accessible, though it occasionally lacks the lyrical quality that might elevate it to literary heights. Her dialogue feels natural, particularly in the banter between Sivon and Donovan, and she has a talent for creating tension through verbal sparring.
The author’s decision to include terminology definitions at the beginning of chapters is both helpful and immersive, creating the feeling of reading historical documents from this future world. This attention to detail suggests careful planning and consideration of how readers would navigate this complex universe.
Thematic Depth
Beyond the surface-level entertainment, Soulmatch grapples with weighty themes about identity, determinism, and the nature of good and evil. The question of whether souls can truly change, or whether they’re condemned to repeat the patterns of their past lives, runs throughout the narrative. Sivon’s journey from fearing her abnormal aura to embracing her role as Krest provides a satisfying arc about self-acceptance and empowerment.
The novel’s exploration of how trauma and love can transcend lifetimes adds emotional depth to what could have been a simple political thriller. The idea that Krest and Flavinsky have been fighting to save each other across centuries transforms their romance into something epic and meaningful.
Comparison to Similar Works
Soulmatch will naturally draw comparisons to dystopian YA classics like The Hunger Games and Matched, but it carves out its own identity through its unique reincarnation premise. The political intrigue recalls the best elements of Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen series, while the soul-matching concept brings to mind Beth Revis’s science fiction works.
The novel also shares DNA with classic dystopian fiction. Like Orwell’s 1984, it shows how institutions use language and systems to control populations. The soul database recalls the oppressive record-keeping in Yevgeny Zamyatin’s We, while the predetermined life paths echo the caste system in Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World.
Final Verdict
Soulmatch succeeds as both an entertaining page-turner and a thoughtful exploration of identity and power. While it may not revolutionize the YA dystopian genre, it certainly earns its place within it through strong characterization, creative worldbuilding, and genuine emotional stakes.
Danzenbaker has crafted a debut that shows remarkable promise, demonstrating her ability to balance multiple plotlines while maintaining focus on character development. The novel’s combination of political intrigue, supernatural romance, and coming-of-age themes creates a reading experience that should satisfy fans of multiple genres.
For readers seeking their next YA dystopian series, Soulmatch offers a fresh take on familiar themes with enough originality to feel new rather than derivative. The ending sets up interesting possibilities for future installments while providing satisfying closure to the immediate conflicts.
This is a debut that announces Rebecca Danzenbaker as a voice worth watching in the YA literary landscape, proving that there’s still room for innovation within established genres.
Recommended Reading
If you enjoyed Soulmatch, consider these similar titles:
- All Better Now by Neal Shusterman – For complex dystopian worldbuilding
- Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard – For political intrigue and hidden identities
- Matched by Ally Condie – For government-controlled romance
- The Selection by Kiera Cass – For strategic romance with political stakes
- Reincarnation Blues by Michael Poore – For adult readers interested in reincarnation themes
Reviewer’s Note: I received an advance reader copy of Soulmatch from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Like Sivon discovering her unexpected kirling results, I approached this novel without knowing what past literary lives it might reveal—and found myself pleasantly surprised by the depth and complexity Danzenbaker brought to what could have been a standard dystopian premise. My opinions remain entirely my own, much like a new soul charting its own course through an uncertain world.
