2.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for a review.

I really wanted to love this book. Everything's Got Soul follows Dido and Jack as they revolt against Baines, who has been ruining Victorian London and secretly enslaving people. The main characters, Dido and Jack, were likeable.

That, unfortunately, is where my enjoyment ends. I found that the story jumped around A LOT. I really struggled with understanding a throughline and finding the plot overall. I was at one point finding myself not even sure if Baines had enslaved people or not. I also found myself confused with how and when Dido and Jack fell in love. There were some interesting statements made in the book that were borderline problematic, and I just couldn't get with it.

I think the premise was there, but the story was a little clunky and just didn't come together very well. I found myself feeling forced to push to the end.

I was hooked from the first page and was enjoying the journey of this story. It had that historical fiction element that I wanted and enjoyed how realistic the characters felt like they were supposed to. The time-period worked well overall and thought it worked well. Brian Thomas has a great writing style and was glad I got to read this with the characters.

This was a captivating story that I wish was a full novel but it was hard to read. For a novella that should have been a quick read it took me a while for me to get through it; it was less than 80pages. I found myself rereading portions to get a better understanding of what was happening.

I felt this novella was bare bones and I was starving for meat. The timeline moved along w/ minimal connection and the details were lacking. I needed more time for world building, character development and the storyline could’ve been stronger.

Set in the 1850s, Everything’s got Soul, follows a battle between young black individuals (Dido, Jack & crew) and Sir Benjamin Baines. Dido and her crew of friends enlist the help of Jack, an aristocrat to free slaves that Sir Baines had illegally harbors but denies any knowledge of when confronted by the Queen’s advisor.

This could easily become a series for middle grade - young adult readers who enjoy strong characters, adventure, a love story, and action.

''It's a breathtaking blend of necessity and Beauty''
Everything's Got Soul by Brian Thomas
A whimsical journey reminiscent of a ''Series of Unfortunate Events'' crossed with the charm of the ''Baker Street 4''.
Thomas writes with a style akin to Lemony Snicket, creating an enjoyable read that packs a punch despite its brevity. While the narrative is concise, it's a story that really packs a punch with impactful messages. This makes it a satisfying read for those seeking a quick yet though-provoking experience. Upon first reading this, I wasnt sure on the direction this story was going, however when you look passed the intro, its a unique blend of creativity, uniqueness, and clever story telling. This book was a solid 3.5/5 stars.

I got this novella as an arc on Netgalley. When I first started to read this I was so confused. Why are the descriptions so weird? Why does everything feel so disjointed? This book is clearly at least partially written by AI and it shows. It was painful to read and I'm genuinely annoyed by this.

When I opened this ARC I was surprised that it’s only 46 pages long.

This story went to fast for me, before I knew it I finished it. I think it has so much potential, but I also think it would be a better story if it were longer.

Things are happening so fast that I can barely keep up with it. It gave me the feeling that I missed some (crucial) parts.

"Everything's Got Soul" by Brian Thomas isn't just a book; it's a symphony of emotions, a dance of words that reaches deep into the soul. With each turn of the page, it's as if you're dipping your toes into the river of human experience, feeling the ebb and flow of joy, love, heartache, and hope.

Thomas's verses are like whispers in the wind, carrying tales of love found and lost, dreams chased and abandoned, and the quiet moments that make life worth living. Through his poetic prose, he invites you to wander through the corridors of your own heart, to explore the depths of your desires and fears, and to emerge stronger, wiser, and more alive than ever before.

But "Everything's Got Soul" is more than just a mirror reflecting the human condition – it's a celebration of the magic woven into the fabric of existence. Thomas's words shimmer with the light of a thousand stars, reminding you that even in the darkest night, there is beauty to be found if you only look closely enough.

So, let yourself be swept away by the lyrical cadence of Thomas's writing. Lose yourself in the rhythm of his verses, and let them carry you on a journey of self-discovery and wonder. For in the pages of "Everything's Got Soul," you'll find not just a book, but a companion for the soul, a beacon of light guiding you through the twists and turns of life's grand adventure.

This was a really cute book ! I felt like I was actually in the adventure as well! I will definitely be purchasing this book for my niece to read 🥰! It was short and easy ❤️

3.5/5
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me the opportunity to read this novella.

This novella is set in the 1850s following the lives of two young individuals as they try to help free the slaves that Sir Benjamin Baines had illegally harbored on the Canary Islands but denies any knowledge of it when confronted by the queen's advisor.

This was a little hard to get into, i suppose that was mainly because historical fiction novel(la)s need time for world-building and introducing the characters. But for a novel just under 48 pages, it was captivating.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this short story!

Unfortunately I was not a huge fan of this story. I felt the characters fell flat and there wasn’t much personality to them. They presented as bland to me. The scene where the ships are fighting was super entertaining but that’s about it. The rest of it just wasn’t super interesting. I understood where they were going with the story but I just didn’t enjoy this story. Maybe I was the wrong audience.

A novella that explores life through the eyes of children and teens in London in the 1800s. If you like historical fantasy with a dash of thought provoking alternate reality, this book is for you.

Such a fast paced and immersive story. I really felt like I was able to experience the adventure firsthand!

"Everything's Got Soul" is a touching exploration of life's beauty and meaning. Thomas's writing style effortlessly captures the essence of everyday moments, leaving us feeling inspired and uplifted. The book offers valuable insights and reminders to appreciate the small joys in life.

I'm not sure how to review this book. I had a hard time getting into it at first. Then it started to flow nicely. It didn't make me feel anyway about it.