Fragile Spirits

Fragile Spirits by Mary Lindsey is the second book in her Souls series.

Paul has always known he was a Protector, fated to serve a Speaker who could hear the voices of spirits lingering after death and help those souls find peace.

Vivienne ignores the voices of the dead.

Paul has always followed the Protector's rule book, preparing diligently for the day when he'd be matched with his Speaker and fulfill his destiny.

Vivienne never does what she's told.

So when Paul is matched with Vivienne, they both find the paring less than satisfactory.  But kidnapping, a malevolent spirit and power stronger  than both of them just prove that they are two halves of the same whole.

The Breakdown:
1. This story takes place several months after the end of Shattered Souls, and Smith is back.  Lindsey spends a lot of the book developing the relationship between Paul and Vivienne.  It is only in the last half of the book that the action with Smith really begins. Despite all the background story development in the first half, Lindsey does a great job of not making the story drag.

2. I enjoyed the dynamic between Paul and Vivienne, At first they seem like quite opposites, but they have more in common than they initially think.  Paul's background is not as privileged as Vivienne assumes, and Vivienne is not as reckless as she appears to Paul at first. I liked seeing how they slowly learn about each other and learn to trust each other.

3. I loved Vivienne's personal style, both rebellious and fun. She is unorthodox in her handling of ghost, but it works so well with her personality. She starts off very abrasive, but underneath she has a kind heart.  She cares immensely about her grandmother, and tutors underprivileged kids.

4. I was fun to watch Paul loosen up a bit as his relationship was Vivienne.  He is very by the book at the beginning, but as their relationship progress he learns to trust Vivienne's instincts, even if they are unorthodox.  Plus it is amazing how far he has come from his rough childhood.

5.  I enjoy the supporting character of Race.  I find his background story, what as been told at least, fascinating.  I do hope that Lindsey will give him is own book.

6. I loved watching Vivienne deal with Smith at the end.  They way she worked was amazing, and the way Paul was able to read her was great.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
Blue Lily, Lily Blue
by Maggie Stiefvater