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A review by alisxnmay
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown
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.