“I'm not a good person, but I'm not a bad person either. I'm just me.”
— Sallie's internal reflection on her own morality and identity.
Archivist's Choice
Cracked
Eliza Crewe (2013)
Genre
Fantasy / Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
270 min
Key Themes
See below
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A snarky, soul-eating teen who preys only on the deserving is caught between mysterious figures who want her dead and an elite group of crusaders, forcing her to confront her true nature and a darker destiny.
Synopsis
Meda eats souls, and she thinks she is the last of her kind. After barely escaping three other soul-eaters who want her dead, Crusaders rescue her. They are an elite group dedicated to killing her species. Meda infiltrates the Crusaders to learn about her nature and her mother's past. As she trains with her enemies, she struggles to control her hunger while navigating her new life, including a romance with a Crusader and a rivalry with a sharp peer. Meda's investigation uncovers truths about her mother, her destiny, and a betrayal within the Crusader ranks. She must confront her inner demons and outside threats, choosing whether to accept her soul-eater heritage or fight it, all while forming alliances to survive.
Reading time
270 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Fast
Mood
Action-packed, Snarky, Darkly Humorous, Suspenseful
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy morally grey protagonists, fast-paced urban fantasy, and a blend of action, mystery, and romance.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer clear-cut good vs. evil narratives or dislike anti-hero main characters.
Plot Summary
The First Hunger and a Narrow Escape
Meda, who can consume souls, lives alone, feeding only on those she judges 'deserving.' While trying to feed on a cruel person, three men in black suits ambush her. They have similar powers and want to kill her. Injured and almost consumed herself, Meda is rescued by 'crusaders.' These crusaders, led by Jorgen, hunt and kill Meda's kind. Meda pretends to have amnesia and joins them, hoping to learn about herself and the mysterious men from her supposed enemies.
Life Among the Crusaders
After her rescue, Meda goes to the crusaders' secluded compound, a hidden fortress where they train. She is assigned a room and begins to join their ranks. Under Jorgen and the other crusaders' watch, Meda pretends to be a human with trauma and amnesia. She observes their routines, training, and their hatred for 'soul-eaters,' her own kind. She befriends Jo, an earnest but naive crusader, who becomes her main contact and a source of information about their group. Meda constantly fights her growing hunger, which threatens to expose her.
Training, Temptation, and Trouble
Meda participates in the crusaders' training, which includes combat, strategy, and mental discipline. She does well, often surprising her trainers with her natural abilities, which she calls 'instincts.' During this time, she forms a complex relationship with Tripp, an intense and suspicious crusader who seems to see through her act. She also meets Decklan, an enigmatic and charming crusader who shows her kindness. Meda's hunger becomes harder to control, triggered by strong emotions and being near others. She has several close calls where she almost exposes herself, forcing her to be vigilant in finding ways to satisfy her urges without revealing her true nature to her new 'allies.'
The First Mission and a New Threat
Meda is ready for her first field mission with a small group of crusaders, including Jo, Tripp, and Decklan. Their target is a suspected soul-eater. During the mission, Meda sees the crusaders' brutal efficiency and the horrifying reality of what her kind can do. She also sees one of the 'men in suits' again, confirming their shared abilities. However, a new, powerful entity appears—a monstrous, ancient soul-eater called a 'Ravener,' far more dangerous than anything Meda has met. The encounter is chaotic, resulting in casualties and a narrow escape, leaving Meda shaken and aware of the threats she faces.
Unveiling Secrets and Shared Origins
After the disastrous mission, Meda is more determined to find the truth. She uses her charm and manipulation to get information from Jo and subtly questions Decklan. She learns that soul-eaters, or 'Revenants' as the crusaders call them, are not all the same. There are different types, and her ability to only feed on 'deserving' souls is rare. She also learns about the old conflict between Revenants and crusaders, and 'The Hunger,' an urge that consumes most Revenants. Meda suspects her mother, also a soul-eater, held important secrets about their kind and her destiny.
The Betrayal and the Pursuit
Tripp, who has been suspicious of Meda, uncovers proof of her true nature. He confronts her, leading to a violent fight. Meda is forced to show her full abilities, consuming Tripp's soul to survive. This traumatic act confirms her worst fears about herself. Her cover is gone. The crusaders, now aware of her identity, turn on her, led by a furious Jorgen. Meda escapes the compound, but she is now hunted by both the crusaders and the mysterious men in suits, who reappear to capture her. She is truly alone, with nowhere to hide.
Alliances of Necessity
On the run, Decklan finds and helps Meda. He reveals he is a 'half-breed,' born of a Revenant and a human, with a connection to both worlds. Decklan explains that the 'men in suits' are 'Collectors,' a group of Revenants who want to control others of their kind and use their power. He believes Meda is special, a 'pure' Revenant who can resist The Hunger and unite their divided kind. Meda reluctantly agrees to work with Decklan, as he seems to be the only one who understands her and offers a way to understand her mother's past and her destiny.
The Truth About Her Mother
With Decklan's help, Meda uncovers information about her mother, Elara. She learns Elara was a powerful Revenant, a key figure in their history, who tried to control The Hunger and stop Revenants from becoming mindless monsters. Meda discovers her mother sacrificed herself to protect Meda, giving her a unique ability to selectively consume souls and resist The Hunger. She also learns the Collectors hunt her because she holds the key to an ancient power, a 'seed' of pure energy that could save or destroy all Revenants.
Confrontation and Revelation
Meda and Decklan track the Collectors to their hidden base. A fierce fight breaks out, with Meda using her powers against the Collectors, led by their manipulative, ancient leader. During the battle, Jorgen and crusaders arrive, having tracked Meda. Meda reveals the full truth about her mother's sacrifices and her unique nature, trying to bridge the gap between the warring groups. She explains that her mother's legacy is not destruction, but a search for balance and salvation for their kind.
Embracing Destiny
In the final confrontation, Meda faces a choice: give in to The Hunger and become destructive, or embrace her mother's legacy and use her abilities to create a new path. She refuses to be a pawn in anyone's game. Meda makes a bold decision, showing she can control her hunger and choose her victims, proving not all Revenants are evil. She asserts her independence, refusing to be defined by others' expectations. The ending leaves Meda ready to become a new kind of leader, one who can unite and redefine her kind's future, challenging both the crusaders' prejudices and the Collectors' goals.
Principal Figures
Meda
The Protagonist
Meda transforms from a lone survivor feigning ignorance to a powerful, self-aware leader who embraces her unique identity and seeks to redefine the future of her kind.
Decklan
The Supporting
Decklan evolves from a secretive crusader to Meda's most trusted ally, openly revealing his true nature and dedicating himself to her cause.
Jorgen
The Antagonist/Supporting
Jorgen begins as an unyielding enemy of Meda's kind but eventually develops a reluctant understanding and potentially a fragile truce with her.
Tripp
The Supporting/Antagonist
Tripp remains steadfast in his conviction about Meda's true nature, eventually exposing her and becoming a casualty of her power.
Jo
The Supporting
Jo remains a steadfast friend to Meda, representing the possibility of understanding and empathy even amidst conflict.
Elara
The Mentioned
Elara's legacy is gradually unveiled, transforming from a shadowy past to a guiding force for Meda's future.
The Collectors
The Antagonist
The Collectors serve as a primary external threat, their pursuit of Meda escalating the conflict and revealing deeper truths about the Revenant world.
Themes & Insights
Identity and Self-Acceptance
Meda's main struggle is understanding and accepting her identity as a soul-eater. She grapples with the 'evil' linked to her kind, fearing she will give in to The Hunger and become a monster. Her journey involves showing she is different from other Revenants who feed without care. Scenes where she chooses her victims or is forced to feed on Tripp highlight her inner conflict. By the end, she realizes her unique abilities do not make her bad, but give her a choice in how she uses her power, leading to self-acceptance.
“Maybe being a monster wasn't about what you were, but what you chose to do.”
Prejudice and Othering
The novel explores the harm of prejudice through the crusaders' belief that all Revenants are evil. Jorgen and Tripp show this prejudice, seeing Meda's kind as something to be destroyed. Meda, in turn, sees herself as an outsider, taking in these negative views. The conflict between crusaders and Revenants comes from a lack of understanding and a refusal to see complexity. Decklan, a 'half-breed,' bridges this gap, showing that identity is not simple and challenging society's strict categories.
“They saw a monster, and I was trying so hard not to be one.”
Choice vs. Destiny
Meda often faces the idea that her destiny is set: to be a monster consumed by The Hunger, or a weapon for the Collectors. However, the story emphasizes the power of choice. Meda's ability to choose her victims, her decision to infiltrate the crusaders, and her refusal to be controlled by any group show her agency. Her mother's legacy, first seen as a burden, is revealed as a way to empower Meda's choices, allowing her to create her own destiny rather than accept one dictated by her nature or others.
“My mother didn't just give me life; she gave me a choice.”
The Nature of Good and Evil
The book blurs the lines between good and evil. Meda, a 'monster' who eats souls, is the main character with a moral compass, while the 'good' crusaders are often ruthless and prejudiced. The Collectors, also soul-eaters, represent a different kind of evil—one of power and control. Meda's struggle to feed only on 'deserving' souls questions the idea that her actions are evil, suggesting that intent and choice are important. The story encourages readers to question who the 'bad guys' are and whether good and evil are absolute.
“Sometimes, the good guys were just as scary as the bad ones.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Hunger
An insatiable, primal urge that drives soul-eaters to consume, threatening to turn them into mindless monsters.
The Hunger is a central motivating force and internal conflict for Meda. It represents the inherent 'monstrous' aspect of her nature, a constant battle between her desire for control and the primal urge to feed. It functions as a ticking clock, creating tension and forcing Meda into morally ambiguous situations. The threat of succumbing to The Hunger is what makes Meda fear herself and drives her to seek answers about her unique ability to resist it, ultimately distinguishing her from other Revenants.
Amnesia as a Plot Device
Meda fakes amnesia to infiltrate the crusaders and gather information.
Meda's feigned amnesia after her rescue by the crusaders serves as a crucial plot device for exposition and character development. It allows her to gain access to the crusader compound, learn their secrets, and understand their worldview without immediately revealing her true identity. This deception creates dramatic irony and suspense, as the audience knows Meda's secret while the crusaders remain oblivious. It also provides a convenient way for Meda to ask basic questions about her kind and the conflict, allowing the author to naturally introduce the world's lore.
The 'Deserving' Soul
Meda's unique ability to only feed on individuals she deems morally corrupt.
This unique aspect of Meda's power is a key distinguishing factor for her character and a central moral dilemma. It immediately sets her apart from other soul-eaters, making her a more sympathetic protagonist despite her monstrous abilities. It functions as a moral compass for Meda, guiding her choices and forcing her to make ethical judgments about her victims. This device allows the author to explore themes of justice, punishment, and the subjective nature of 'good' and 'evil' within the narrative, making Meda's actions more complex than simple consumption.
The Mother's Legacy
The mysterious past and sacrifices of Meda's mother, Elara, which hold the key to Meda's powers and destiny.
Elara's legacy acts as an overarching mystery and a powerful motivational force for Meda. Fragments of information about her mother's life, death, and unique abilities are gradually revealed throughout the story, often through cryptic clues or the memories of others. This device creates suspense and provides a compelling reason for Meda to seek answers, driving the plot forward. Ultimately, her mother's legacy is not just about the past, but about shaping Meda's future, as it reveals the true extent of Meda's powers and her potential role in the Revenant world.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Sometimes the monster is the one who saves you.”
— Sallie's realization about the true nature of the creatures she encounters.
“Fear is a funny thing. It can make you run, or it can make you fight.”
— Sallie contemplating her reactions to dangerous situations.
“Love isn't always pretty. Sometimes it's messy and painful and completely irrational.”
— Sallie's evolving understanding of her romantic feelings.
“The world isn't black and white. There are so many shades of grey, and that's where the real story lies.”
— Sallie's growing awareness of moral ambiguities in her new reality.
“You can't outrun your past, but you can choose how you face it.”
— Sallie confronting consequences of past actions and decisions.
“Being strong doesn't mean you don't get scared. It means you keep going even when you are.”
— Sallie's internal monologue about true strength in the face of fear.
“Sometimes the most dangerous thing you can do is trust someone.”
— Sallie reflecting on the risks involved in forming alliances.
“Home isn't a place, it's a feeling. It's where you belong.”
— Sallie's search for a sense of belonging in a strange new world.
“Even monsters have hearts, sometimes.”
— Sallie realizing the humanity (or something akin to it) in unexpected places.
“The hardest battles are often fought within yourself.”
— Sallie grappling with her own inner demons and conflicts.
“You don't get to choose your family, but you get to choose who you fight for.”
— Sallie forming new bonds and loyalties with her companions.
“The world is full of broken things, and sometimes the most beautiful things are the ones that are cracked.”
— A thematic reflection on the beauty found in imperfection and damage.
“Survival isn't about being the strongest; it's about being the most adaptable.”
— Sallie learning to navigate and thrive in a harsh new environment.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
Meda is a 'soul-eater,' meaning she consumes the souls of individuals. She has a personal code, vowing to only target those she deems 'deserving,' believing she is doing a service by eliminating bad people, though she also admits to enjoying the process.
