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reneetheunissen22's review
2.0
I was so excited to like this book! ... but I was dissapointed. The setting was great, the representation for POC (as far as I can tell) and panic attacks was absolutely amazing, and the stories that were told within the story... wow.
But the characters felt underdeveloped. I did not have the idea that I knew their distinct personality well, but rather that their choices were made for furthering the plot. I found it difficult to understand their reasoning since it wasn't given to the reader and I didn't know them well enough to understand it myself.
Also, there was a trope that I absolutely hate. This, and the fact that the plot twists were predictable, really pushed it down to two stars for me.
However, I am interested in other upcoming books by Roseanne A. Brown (outside of this series) since I can definitely see myself loving other books and worlds by her.
But the characters felt underdeveloped. I did not have the idea that I knew their distinct personality well, but rather that their choices were made for furthering the plot. I found it difficult to understand their reasoning since it wasn't given to the reader and I didn't know them well enough to understand it myself.
Also, there was a trope that I absolutely hate.
Spoiler
(The resurrection trope...)However, I am interested in other upcoming books by Roseanne A. Brown (outside of this series) since I can definitely see myself loving other books and worlds by her.
alisxnmay's review against another edition
5.0
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin is incredible. Heavily inspired by West African myths and folklore with a slow burn enemies to lovers romance and some Hunger Games vibes, this book was exactly what I needed.
The story follows Karina, the crown princess of Ziran and Malik, a refugee who takes advantage of Solstasia, a festival that happens every fifty years, to escape his home with his sisters. But tragedy strikes in both their families, leading them to circumstances where they have to kill each other. That aspect made me hooked from the beginning. And what's more, the world building, magic system and history are all beautifully woven with Roseanne A. Brown's gorgeous writing. The world she introduces is one that is wounded by its history and which involves a lot of court politics.
Though heavy at times, this was so much fun to read. Throughout the book, there's this "will they/won't they?" kill each other and you honestly don't know who to root for. I loved both Karina and Malik . Some other reviews describes them as West African Jasmine and Aladdin, and this couldn't be more accurate. Karina, though hard to warm up to, is strong and cares about her people while having to deal with migraines and such. And Malik is a soft boy who tries his best while also having to deal with anxiety and panic attacks (which by the way, were respectfully represented.) They both have face challenges that are either personal or that are connected to Solstasia itself. I loved the emphasis on family on both sides as they are trying their best for the people they love. I loved Malik and Karina so much and I love how slow burn their romance is.
How am I supposed to wait for the next book? I cannot wait to see what there is to come for these characters. And I cannot wait to see what happens after all these twists. This was so amazing and I simply cannot wait. There's also going to be a tv adaptation in the future that makes me even more excited!
trigger warnings (which were at the beginning of the book!!): mild self-harm ideation, fantasy violence, emotional and physical abuse, anxiety and panic attacks, parent death, and animal death.
The story follows Karina, the crown princess of Ziran and Malik, a refugee who takes advantage of Solstasia, a festival that happens every fifty years, to escape his home with his sisters. But tragedy strikes in both their families, leading them to circumstances where they have to kill each other. That aspect made me hooked from the beginning. And what's more, the world building, magic system and history are all beautifully woven with Roseanne A. Brown's gorgeous writing. The world she introduces is one that is wounded by its history and which involves a lot of court politics.
“If becoming a Champion was the only way to get close to Princess Karina, then Malik would make himself a Champion.”
Though heavy at times, this was so much fun to read. Throughout the book, there's this "will they/won't they?" kill each other and you honestly don't know who to root for. I loved both Karina and Malik . Some other reviews describes them as West African Jasmine and Aladdin, and this couldn't be more accurate. Karina, though hard to warm up to, is strong and cares about her people while having to deal with migraines and such. And Malik is a soft boy who tries his best while also having to deal with anxiety and panic attacks (which by the way, were respectfully represented.) They both have face challenges that are either personal or that are connected to Solstasia itself. I loved the emphasis on family on both sides as they are trying their best for the people they love. I loved Malik and Karina so much and I love how slow burn their romance is.
“Even if they never forgave me. Even if they hated me for the rest of their life.” Only a few inches remained in the tear. Malik focused on bridging the gap between the two pieces. “I think anything is worth protecting the people you love.”
How am I supposed to wait for the next book? I cannot wait to see what there is to come for these characters. And I cannot wait to see what happens after all these twists. This was so amazing and I simply cannot wait. There's also going to be a tv adaptation in the future that makes me even more excited!
trigger warnings (which were at the beginning of the book!!): mild self-harm ideation, fantasy violence, emotional and physical abuse, anxiety and panic attacks, parent death, and animal death.
wildflower002's review
3.0
The cultural diversity in this book is amazing. Also, I must mention the anxiety rep! I loved many aspects of this book. But as it is YA it relied heavily on YA tropes. This isn't always my jam but I enjoy YA reads often enough to try any read that sparks interest. This is good for an easy read with a Beautiful culture. There are high stakes but also very teenage related problems.
hans_cosy_corner's review
5.0
I loved this book, it was so good - a simple story that is made complex through its twists and turns, filled with great characters and a wonderful setting. I loved the ultimate will-they-wont-they with the love or murder theme.
Click HEREto read the full review on my blog
Click HEREto read the full review on my blog
ktktkatie17's review against another edition
5.0
This book was incredible! I love Malik and Karina with my whole heart; the writing and the world were beautiful. I cannot believe I survived that last 30% - I mean it was stunning and heart-wrenching and wonderful. I need book 2 immediately!
alonewithsheep's review
adventurous
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
this took three tries to finish, and it only truly got good in the last fifty pages. that's not to say that it was bad before that, only that it was mediocre for me, compared to my expectations. i loved the setting, though; it's wonderful. i just didn't really click with the characters as much as i wish i did.
rachelxthings's review
5.0
Really enjoyed reading this. There is a lot of world building and I feel like it has a bit of a slow start but frankly after about the first third of the book things really heated up. I found the exploration of magic and deities and societies in this book to be quite novel. Cant wait to read the second in this duology!
renalexis01's review
4.0
The only reason I'm giving this book a 4 out of 5 stars rating is because I lost my momentum in reading it. I was in a reading slump for the last month and so. But nevertheless, it was a great read. I liked the characters, I liked the story, I liked the new world I've discovered with all the new creatures and culture in it. I would love to read part 2 soon!
vicg_b31's review
3.5
The world building was the best part of this, I loved the influence of African mythology and culture in a fantasy story, it led to a really vividly built setting, especially with the pantheon. Love that the magic use system is god influenced with a sprinkle of innate ability, very cleric / sorcerer combo in D&D terms.
I wish I loved the main characters more, I found them a little over dramatic at times, especially with the main characters constantly throwing up or fainting if they thought or felt anything bad. I just felt like “bile rising up in throat” was used so much, which is such a specific pet peeve, but I found it distracting.
I loved the ending, I love when the first of a series doesn’t get wrapped up fully so there are many hooks to send me into the next book. Also the main character trapping the Big Bad by being like “hey, possess me” and then the Big Bad entering his mind / body and immediately not vibing because of the main character’s anxiety disorder making his mind “not a very hospitable place” is so iconic and such a great way to demonstrate the strength and resilence of those of us with anxiety disorders.
I wish I loved the main characters more, I found them a little over dramatic at times, especially with the main characters constantly throwing up or fainting if they thought or felt anything bad. I just felt like “bile rising up in throat” was used so much, which is such a specific pet peeve, but I found it distracting.
I loved the ending, I love when the first of a series doesn’t get wrapped up fully so there are many hooks to send me into the next book. Also the main character trapping the Big Bad by being like “hey, possess me” and then the Big Bad entering his mind / body and immediately not vibing because of the main character’s anxiety disorder making his mind “not a very hospitable place” is so iconic and such a great way to demonstrate the strength and resilence of those of us with anxiety disorders.