A review by marissa_reads6
A Ballad of Phantoms and Hope: A Paranormal Spinoff to The Fabric of our Souls by K.M. Moronova

dark emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

Thank you so much to K.M. Moronava for allowing me to read this as an arc. It will forever hold a special place in my heart

A beautiful ballad of hope and the “defiance of death” 

Let me start by saying the “who did this to you trope” will always be top tier for me, and A Ballad Of Phantoms and Hope definitely gives just that, just with a twist. 

The way Lanston talks/remembers Liam and Wynn is absolutely heartbreakingly beautiful. “Most things that wound your heart like this are worth it. It only hurts because of how precious we hold them. I’m never alone, not really, because I know they will carry the weight of me with them forever.” He loved them enough to let them love and be loved, even though it broke his heart. Ever the selfless Nevers…Also, a moment of appreciation for wingman Jericho! 

The way Opehelia thinks that no one remembering her and keeping her memory alive is for the best truly broke my heart. The way Lanston makes her feel warm even in death is everything she deserves and more. To truly live and be loved even in death. 

I love the connection she’s made to Fabric of our souls, Lanston is desperate to move on and find peace in the afterlife, while Ophelia still wants to live even in death. Forever holding onto the life she should have had.

Absolutely cackled a few times even through the heartache…ghosts telling ghost stories, how ironic lol, brooms with ghostly rendezvous 

When someone says I love you, but Lanston says “I want my love to haunt you. Until the stars die—until all the water in the ocean dries and we’re all that’s left in this cruel, dark world.”

A heartwarming conclusion to a story we all really needed to move on after A Fabric Of Our Souls

Don’t live your life smiling and pretending. 

You are loved, find the light