A review by sar_books
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-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
4.0
What this book does really well is an incredibly rich world steeped in folklore and magic, with a plot that will keep you guessing until the very end. The characters are wonderful - Malik is such a sweet “soft boy” (in the best way) and I loved the way the author deals with his anxiety and panic attacks. Karina was also brilliant and I felt like we really got to understand her and her depth of character.
There was a romantic subplot but it was quite minor in this book I think - maybe book 2 will explore that more?
Where it lost half a point for me is it was just very slow to start. It took me a long time to read the first half, but I stuck it out because I was also in a bit of a reading funk and it was partially a “me problem”. it really picked up in the second half. I devoured the last 150-200 pages so quickly.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to read this book, this is your sign!
There was a romantic subplot but it was quite minor in this book I think - maybe book 2 will explore that more?
Where it lost half a point for me is it was just very slow to start. It took me a long time to read the first half, but I stuck it out because I was also in a bit of a reading funk and it was partially a “me problem”. it really picked up in the second half. I devoured the last 150-200 pages so quickly.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to read this book, this is your sign!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, and Mental illness