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nytxia's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
(disclaimer: I've received an advanced reader copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review)
This is a tough one because I was very interested in the concepts, especially as it was based on Chinese mythology and Chinese folklore. But ultimately, I wasn’t just able to get invested in the book. I thought the pace felt very slow, and the way the concepts were introduced sometimes felt forced (info dump), which is a shame because the world-building and the magic system had a lot of potential.
The story is written from alternating third-person deep POV for the two main characters, however I didn’t feel the deep POV was used to its full potential, and I didn’t personally feel it added too much to each character besides advancing the narrative.
Even though there was action in this book, I didn’t feel enough connection to the characters or plot overall to make me feel invested in it. I ended up struggling to get through it, and I felt this was the main reason why it took me so long to finish it.
This is a tough one because I was very interested in the concepts, especially as it was based on Chinese mythology and Chinese folklore. But ultimately, I wasn’t just able to get invested in the book. I thought the pace felt very slow, and the way the concepts were introduced sometimes felt forced (info dump), which is a shame because the world-building and the magic system had a lot of potential.
The story is written from alternating third-person deep POV for the two main characters, however I didn’t feel the deep POV was used to its full potential, and I didn’t personally feel it added too much to each character besides advancing the narrative.
Even though there was action in this book, I didn’t feel enough connection to the characters or plot overall to make me feel invested in it. I ended up struggling to get through it, and I felt this was the main reason why it took me so long to finish it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, and Colonisation
Moderate: Sexual assault
wolfinthestars's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Racism, Self harm, Torture, Death of parent, Cultural appropriation, and Colonisation
Moderate: Racial slurs, Blood, and War
Minor: Child death and Sexual assault
shaipanda's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thanks for the publisher for the early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I seriously considered DNFing this around 35% but pushed through given the very high ratings and how many early reviewers seemed to love this. Unfortunately despite ultimately finishing it I did not end up loving it the way I wanted to. I wasn’t pulled in and despite the drama and action of the story, I found it a bit of a slog to get through personally. I was also really hoping this was a stand alone which it definitely is not, but that’s my own fault for not checking. While I did enjoy the writing and the world overall, I didn’t feel entranced and invested in the characters.
Edit: I’m pushing this up to a 3 because idk 2.75 feels really harsh when there’s nothing specific I remember disliking looking back it was just very meh for me so I’m gonna give it a 3
Edit: I’m pushing this up to a 3 because idk 2.75 feels really harsh when there’s nothing specific I remember disliking looking back it was just very meh for me so I’m gonna give it a 3
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, and Colonisation
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Death, Genocide, and Rape
carolyn_librarian's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Cutting social commentary highlighting the cruel history of colon and occupation. Rich world building and a complex magic system. But has some muddy plot points and too many time skips. Characters also gained skills without explanation and create bonds only to cut them soon after. There are also some convoluted battle scenes with baited character death multiple times.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Xenophobia, and Colonisation
Minor: Rape and Sexual harassment
leedolee's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A great read! I found myself unable to put this book down as I wanted to keep on reading and find out what came next. The entire plot line, the characters, the lore, and the world were all entertaining, well fleshed-out, and exciting! I’m definitely going to be counting down the days until the next book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Genocide, Gore, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, Medical content, and Cultural appropriation
sarrie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
3.75? Rounded up to 4
TL;DR: If you enjoy non-stop YA fantasy this is the one for you. I really enjoyed a lot of this but found the pace a bit too fast.
Song of Silver, Flame Like Night has me on the fence. It follows, primarily two characters. Lan is a 'songbird', a girl who works in a tea parlor singing for work. The city and land she lives in has been conquered by an invading force, her culture and people repressed and destroyed. Our second character is Zen, a young practitoner who is seeking out others like him and information about the magic and culture that they've lost. The two come in contact and the book explodes (almost literally) out from there.
My biggest problem with Song of Silver is the pacing which is breakneck for me. It was so fast, there were little to no quiet moments, no moments of reprieve for the characters. One good thing would happen, or five mins of dialogue and then immediately there is an emergency or a dire situation. Fast paced books are fine, but this felt almost as if our author just did not want or know how to give the characters rest. I felt so bad for them because of how much they seemed to deal with in such fast succession. There was one period of time that the characters didn't have a pressing emergency and that was described as 'And time passed'. Which during that time we had to assume that our characters grew attached to certain things and people but we never saw it.
Past this I loved a lot about this book! I want more of the characters we were introduced to, especially the side characters and the system and world is beautiful. The themes that the author is struggling with and representing, I felt were clear and heartbreaking (as they should have been). The villains did end up feeling a little over the top, especially in a final scene, but considering the wuxia/xianxia style of the action and magic in this I think that can be forgiven. The setting and magic were incredible and really that's what kept me coming back.
So while I wish the story had more time to breath and give us a breath this was a beautiful ride. If you don't mind books that just 'go, go, go' pick this up. It's got an amazing setting, beautiful magic, and over the top fighting that will not miss if you love that sort of thing.
4 out of 5 Ocarinas.
TL;DR: If you enjoy non-stop YA fantasy this is the one for you. I really enjoyed a lot of this but found the pace a bit too fast.
Song of Silver, Flame Like Night has me on the fence. It follows, primarily two characters. Lan is a 'songbird', a girl who works in a tea parlor singing for work. The city and land she lives in has been conquered by an invading force, her culture and people repressed and destroyed. Our second character is Zen, a young practitoner who is seeking out others like him and information about the magic and culture that they've lost. The two come in contact and the book explodes (almost literally) out from there.
My biggest problem with Song of Silver is the pacing which is breakneck for me. It was so fast, there were little to no quiet moments, no moments of reprieve for the characters. One good thing would happen, or five mins of dialogue and then immediately there is an emergency or a dire situation. Fast paced books are fine, but this felt almost as if our author just did not want or know how to give the characters rest. I felt so bad for them because of how much they seemed to deal with in such fast succession. There was one period of time that the characters didn't have a pressing emergency and that was described as 'And time passed'. Which during that time we had to assume that our characters grew attached to certain things and people but we never saw it.
Past this I loved a lot about this book! I want more of the characters we were introduced to, especially the side characters and the system and world is beautiful. The themes that the author is struggling with and representing, I felt were clear and heartbreaking (as they should have been). The villains did end up feeling a little over the top, especially in a final scene, but considering the wuxia/xianxia style of the action and magic in this I think that can be forgiven. The setting and magic were incredible and really that's what kept me coming back.
So while I wish the story had more time to breath and give us a breath this was a beautiful ride. If you don't mind books that just 'go, go, go' pick this up. It's got an amazing setting, beautiful magic, and over the top fighting that will not miss if you love that sort of thing.
4 out of 5 Ocarinas.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Blood, Colonisation, and War
Moderate: Sexual violence, Torture, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
shainalite's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
it's a perfect book for Daughter of the Moon Goddess fans and those who love reading books inspired by Chinese mythology. Song of Silver, Flame like Night is YA fantasy (and a little bit romance) book which absorbs every reader to its world and holds their attention until the very last words. Told in multiple POVs, mainly our main characters Lan and Zen, the author gives them balanced portion of pages to tell their stories with distinctive voices. You can easily know which one is Lan's and Zen's since the two spoke differently. It's a book which is a little bit difficult to follow at first since it used new terms and it gets easier as we get deeper into the book. Some explanations were longer than the others especially about the magic system and world building related ones, yet since it's given to the right character to 'explain', it's an okay for me. For the romance part, as a reader who prefer less romance part in a fantasy book, this book has the right amount of romance I need in a book even though it needs a little bit pages to show the chemistry between Lan and Zen. I love how Book 1 ended especially the last chapter and epilogue which showed the readers what to expect within the next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Self harm, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Colonisation, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual assault and Trafficking
Minor: Genocide and Cannibalism
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A beautifully crafted and utterly compelling, Xianxia-style fantasy, steeped in Chinese mythology which was thrilling and heart-wrenching in equal measure. This is actually only the first of Amélie Wen Zhao’s books that I’ve ever read. And given the gorgeously detailed world building, complex (and multidimensional) characters and the skilful tackling of important themes (such as: generational trauma, the price of power and the untold destruction colonialism causes) it certainly won’t be the last.
It follows Lián’ér a member of the Hin people who—after her country falls to Elantian colonisers—finds herself scavenging for scraps of the past or anything that will help her to understand the strange mark burned into her arm by her mother, in her last act before death.
Having been forced to take a new name by the people who killed her mother, outlawed her country’s unique magic and steal its precious resources for its own gain; Lan—now a song girl at the Rose Pavilion Teahouse, spends her days earning her keep by singing to Madam Meng’s patrons.
No one can see the mysterious mark… until Zen appears at the teahouse and saves her life. Zen is a practitioner (a fabled magician whose magical abilities are rumoured to come from the demons they commune with.) Magic that was long thought lost, and which could be the key to understanding the mark and the secrets that died with her mother. But the magic must remain hidden at all costs.
Despite each of their own long buried secrets, Lan and Zen’s have been brought together by fate—but their destiny still has yet to be written. For the power they both hold could free the kingdom and it’s people… or cause the world’s very destruction.
This was an incredible read and I enjoyed just how all encompassing and immersive it was! The world building was especially good and soo detailed that I definitely lost myself in all the incredible descriptions for a while. And, despite the sheer depth and breadth of the mythology that Wen Zhao intricately crafts (the history surrounding the ninety nine clans, each Kingdom era and the lore surrounding the four demons) the pace was remarkably consistent and never dragged or felt slow. Likewise, the magic system was incredibly intriguing—the concept of balance being necessary for the Kingdom (and the world’s survival) was especially interesting.
But personally, it was the nuanced, flawed and multifaceted characters that I intrigued me the most. Lan, was such a sassy and genuinely funny protagonist who despite all the heartbreak and pain she’s had to endure, shows great courage in facing once again having to face the perpetrators who have caused it all. Her journey (and her path to self discovery) was truly inspiring. I don’t think I could be half a courageous if put in her position.
Zen too, was a really interesting character who is dealing with struggles of his own that we don’t really get to know a lot about until the second half of the book. I enjoyed the air of mystery that surrounds him but the exquisitely developed personal arc (in which Zen must make some truly difficult choices) was masterfully done and really kept an edge of intense ambiguity right up until that phenomenal ending.
It is told through both Lan and Zen’s alternating POVs which I really enjoyed and felt it added soo much depth to both characters, as we watch their interactions turn from reluctant allies to friends and then, into something more. I was definitely a fan of the playful teasing and flirtatious banter we’re treated to. If you love your romance swoon worthy and deliciously slow burn then you’re gonna adore these two.
I also wanted to mention that themes centred around some pretty heavy subject material are explored; involving colonialism, cultural appropriation and exploitation (as well as racism, sexism and brief mentions sexual harassment/violence) so do bare this in mind before reading. That being said, it’s definitely handled sensitively and does highlight some important and relevant issues that definitely need to be discussed further.
Overall, an exquisite and breathtakingly masterful series starter that lovers of sweeping fantasy epics and unforgettably complex characters are going to absolutely devour. I’m genuinely excited to see what happens next.
Also, thanks to Random Things Tours and Harper Voyager UK for this absolutely gorgeous finished copy.
It follows Lián’ér a member of the Hin people who—after her country falls to Elantian colonisers—finds herself scavenging for scraps of the past or anything that will help her to understand the strange mark burned into her arm by her mother, in her last act before death.
Having been forced to take a new name by the people who killed her mother, outlawed her country’s unique magic and steal its precious resources for its own gain; Lan—now a song girl at the Rose Pavilion Teahouse, spends her days earning her keep by singing to Madam Meng’s patrons.
No one can see the mysterious mark… until Zen appears at the teahouse and saves her life. Zen is a practitioner (a fabled magician whose magical abilities are rumoured to come from the demons they commune with.) Magic that was long thought lost, and which could be the key to understanding the mark and the secrets that died with her mother. But the magic must remain hidden at all costs.
Despite each of their own long buried secrets, Lan and Zen’s have been brought together by fate—but their destiny still has yet to be written. For the power they both hold could free the kingdom and it’s people… or cause the world’s very destruction.
This was an incredible read and I enjoyed just how all encompassing and immersive it was! The world building was especially good and soo detailed that I definitely lost myself in all the incredible descriptions for a while. And, despite the sheer depth and breadth of the mythology that Wen Zhao intricately crafts (the history surrounding the ninety nine clans, each Kingdom era and the lore surrounding the four demons) the pace was remarkably consistent and never dragged or felt slow. Likewise, the magic system was incredibly intriguing—the concept of balance being necessary for the Kingdom (and the world’s survival) was especially interesting.
But personally, it was the nuanced, flawed and multifaceted characters that I intrigued me the most. Lan, was such a sassy and genuinely funny protagonist who despite all the heartbreak and pain she’s had to endure, shows great courage in facing once again having to face the perpetrators who have caused it all. Her journey (and her path to self discovery) was truly inspiring. I don’t think I could be half a courageous if put in her position.
Zen too, was a really interesting character who is dealing with struggles of his own that we don’t really get to know a lot about until the second half of the book. I enjoyed the air of mystery that surrounds him but the exquisitely developed personal arc (in which Zen must make some truly difficult choices) was masterfully done and really kept an edge of intense ambiguity right up until that phenomenal ending.
It is told through both Lan and Zen’s alternating POVs which I really enjoyed and felt it added soo much depth to both characters, as we watch their interactions turn from reluctant allies to friends and then, into something more. I was definitely a fan of the playful teasing and flirtatious banter we’re treated to. If you love your romance swoon worthy and deliciously slow burn then you’re gonna adore these two.
I also wanted to mention that themes centred around some pretty heavy subject material are explored; involving colonialism, cultural appropriation and exploitation (as well as racism, sexism and brief mentions sexual harassment/violence) so do bare this in mind before reading. That being said, it’s definitely handled sensitively and does highlight some important and relevant issues that definitely need to be discussed further.
Overall, an exquisite and breathtakingly masterful series starter that lovers of sweeping fantasy epics and unforgettably complex characters are going to absolutely devour. I’m genuinely excited to see what happens next.
Also, thanks to Random Things Tours and Harper Voyager UK for this absolutely gorgeous finished copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Colonisation, and War
Moderate: Genocide, Sexual violence, Torture, Grief, Religious bigotry, Cultural appropriation, and Sexual harassment
jessicaludden's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"It is the duty of those with power to protect those without."
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an ARC of this book!
Song of Silver, Flame Like Night is inspired by ancient Chinese folklore and mythology. It follows Lan as she tries to uncover the mystery behind a symbol burned onto her wrist by her mother as she died. Lan is saved by Zen, a practitioner who wields magic and is the first person who can actually see the mark on Lan's wrist. Together, they reveal the secrets about their fallen kingdom and the magic that many thought was lost.
This book absolutely blew me away. I fell in love with this world. The world building is so intricate and full of rich histories that it makes everything feel so realistic. I loved The attention to detail when it came to the magic system and the history of the dynasties previously. This book was action packed and had so many twists that kept me begging for more. I fell in love with the main characters and resonated with the losses they were feeling. I loved this book's take on colonization and the impacts that it has on civilizations. What I loved most about this book was it's commentary on the balance of power and how good and evil cannot exist without one another.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an ARC of this book!
Song of Silver, Flame Like Night is inspired by ancient Chinese folklore and mythology. It follows Lan as she tries to uncover the mystery behind a symbol burned onto her wrist by her mother as she died. Lan is saved by Zen, a practitioner who wields magic and is the first person who can actually see the mark on Lan's wrist. Together, they reveal the secrets about their fallen kingdom and the magic that many thought was lost.
This book absolutely blew me away. I fell in love with this world. The world building is so intricate and full of rich histories that it makes everything feel so realistic. I loved The attention to detail when it came to the magic system and the history of the dynasties previously. This book was action packed and had so many twists that kept me begging for more. I fell in love with the main characters and resonated with the losses they were feeling. I loved this book's take on colonization and the impacts that it has on civilizations. What I loved most about this book was it's commentary on the balance of power and how good and evil cannot exist without one another.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Genocide, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, Colonisation, and War
ecarper's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
4.75
Absolutely loved this book. I really enjoy wuxia/xianxia novels and I love how this book will introduce many more people to the genre. Most stories of this genre are typically set during ancient time periods so placing this story in the context of colonization and rebellion and survival was phenomenal.
Lan is an amazing—and flawed—main character who starts the book solely focused on survival but learns that there is so much more to living and resisting.
Zen is another flawed and deeply scarred character who would do anything to save the people he loves, even by paying the ultimate price.
For fans of The Poppy War, MDZS, and She Who Became the Sun, please pick this up!
Lan is an amazing—and flawed—main character who starts the book solely focused on survival but learns that there is so much more to living and resisting.
Zen is another flawed and deeply scarred character who would do anything to save the people he loves, even by paying the ultimate price.
For fans of The Poppy War, MDZS, and She Who Became the Sun, please pick this up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Racism, and Colonisation
Moderate: Sexual assault