Although some of Mead's urban fantasies feature mature content, Soundless is light on the romance and violence and is appropriate for middle school and young teen YA readers. From Richelle Mead, the 1 internationally bestselling author of Vampire Academy and Bloodlines, comes a breathtaking new fantasy steeped in Chinese.

Kudos to Mead for not only writing about a non-Western character but making sure the cover featured an obviously Asian model - something that's not always done in children's publishing about multicultural characters. There's not a ton of action or much by way of immersion in the Chinese surroundings, but Fei and Li Wei's journey down the mountain is just compelling enough to make the 250-plus-page-read quick and easy. As would be fitting with the ancient Chinese fantasy setting, proper Fei and her forbidden love, Li Wei, may have feelings for each other but can't think only of themselves when their duty is to their villagers and, more importantly, Fei's sister, whom they left behind in hopes of a solution. A quick read, Soundless may not please readers expecting Mead's signature snark and swoon-worthy romantic tension. The main character has a milder version of the fiery courage of author Richelle Mead's Rose ( Vampire Academy) and the intelligence of her Sydney ( Bloodlines). Language: English Book Title: Soundless Author: Richelle Mead Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Juvenile Fiction. Description: For as long as Fei can remember, there has been no sound in her village, where rocky terrain and frequent avalanches prevent residents from self-sustaining. This standalone fantasy is a solid if not remarkable tribute to Chinese folklore. Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository.

Soundless by Richelle Mead