Soulmates and Other Ways to Die

In a future world where a gene mutation has ensured that everyone has a soulmate, control freak teen Zoe is determined to avoid hers at all costs. More concerned with staying alive than meeting her forever match, Zoe's complicated family background, prepper mentality and independent streak mean that she is generally treated with mild derision or ignored altogether. But a chance encounter leads her to her soulmate, none other than rich, popular…reckless, Milo Spencer. With both determined to break their seemingly indestructible bond, or else be matched until one of them dies, a dangerous path to the heart of hi-tech, state-sanctioned control follows.

I am not sure I am entirely convinced about the reasoning and back story to the genetic mutation and supporting tech, and mad genius Argo Duff (and his social media empire) is (deliberately?!) not very well disguised, but it's an interesting concept and an engaging opening.

For a tech-savvy, high-concept story, the plot - cool boy meets geeky girl, enemies to lovers - is quite old-fashioned and some of the dialogue seems a little dated juxtaposed with contemporary teen speak. However, there are some interesting points about control and freedom which should resonate with all of us, and an acute sense of claustrophobia with advanced tracking systems and futuristic apps. It's a very highly regulated and restrictive dystopia.  Bar the criminal element, the characters are all generally likeable but as it's a dual narrative, its only Zoe and Milo that we really get to know.

There's plenty going on in Soulmates and Other Ways to Die and lots of genuine issues to think about, but it should also appeal to those enjoy a contemporary teen romance.

336 pages / Ages 12+ / Reviewed by Clare Wilkins, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 14+