queer_bookwyrm's reviews
483 reviews
Heavy is the Head: Love & War, by Katrina N. Lewis
Did not finish book. Stopped at 14%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 14%.
I wasn't a fan of this writing style. A lot of telling instead of showing in the beginning, way too many exclamation points. It felt like what a teenager thinks adults are like. Really too bad, since I was looking forward to more black fantasy.
The Molten Key , by T.L. Wilson
adventurous
mysterious
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? No
4.0
4 ⭐ CW: Violence, blood, torture, cursing, sexual situations, medical trauma, death
The Molten Key by T.L. Wilson is book one in the series. This was a fast paced NA Fantasy Romance perfect for birders and lovers of Fae. We also have a fantastic found family group with elemental powers in a secondary world.
We follow Adelia, an avid birdwatcher who never lets her prosthetic leg slow her down, as she returns home to find her father missing, blood on the floor, and four strange Fae in her house. Adelia gets a crash course in Faerie when she learns she's one of them, and a Wind Fae at that. She joins our amazing gang of small and soft Maewyn, Big and gentle Rory, blue haired and fierce Novak, and the mysterious and handsome Ash. Our group goes on a mission to protect Faerie and rescue Adelia's dad. The only problem is that Adelia is lying to them about the whereabouts of an object they desperately want.
We get great characters! I love them all so much for their own reasons. There was some good character development with the relationships and subtle foreshadowing of more to come. I love the way elemental magic is used here and the concept of "forbidden magic". Animal familiars! I think my only complaint is that I wanted a bit more world-building around Faerie. We spend the majority of the book there, but we don't learn a ton about the world. I'm hoping book two dives more into this.
It was great having a disabled MC and a range of characters. I'm really looking forward to the next books!
The Molten Key by T.L. Wilson is book one in the series. This was a fast paced NA Fantasy Romance perfect for birders and lovers of Fae. We also have a fantastic found family group with elemental powers in a secondary world.
We follow Adelia, an avid birdwatcher who never lets her prosthetic leg slow her down, as she returns home to find her father missing, blood on the floor, and four strange Fae in her house. Adelia gets a crash course in Faerie when she learns she's one of them, and a Wind Fae at that. She joins our amazing gang of small and soft Maewyn, Big and gentle Rory, blue haired and fierce Novak, and the mysterious and handsome Ash. Our group goes on a mission to protect Faerie and rescue Adelia's dad. The only problem is that Adelia is lying to them about the whereabouts of an object they desperately want.
We get great characters! I love them all so much for their own reasons. There was some good character development with the relationships and subtle foreshadowing of more to come. I love the way elemental magic is used here and the concept of "forbidden magic". Animal familiars! I think my only complaint is that I wanted a bit more world-building around Faerie. We spend the majority of the book there, but we don't learn a ton about the world. I'm hoping book two dives more into this.
It was great having a disabled MC and a range of characters. I'm really looking forward to the next books!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture and Medical trauma
Moderate: Blood and Violence
Norse Mythology, by Neil Gaiman
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
4 ⭐ CW: violence, torture, descriptions of blood and gore, murder
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman is is his way of compiling all the Norse stories he had access to, and rewriting them in a way modern readers can understand. He has also arranged the stories in some coherent order to create an overall narrative of the Norse Gods.
Gaiman explains at the beginning that a lot of stories about the Norse Gods are simply lost to time and oral tradition, so the stories only follow a handful of the gods, mostly Thor, Loki, Odin, Freya, and a few others.
I found this book to be extremely informative about the Norse God lore and the way the Norse understood our world and universe. These stories set the foundation for so many fantasy stories. Gaiman's comedic timing in this is perfect. I found myself chuckling regularly about Thor and Loki's antics.
Basically, Loki is ridiculous no matter who tells the story, Thor is the biggest himbo, Freya is tired of all the bullshit with people trying to constantly marry her off, and Fenris Wolf deserved better (especially from Tyr).
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman is is his way of compiling all the Norse stories he had access to, and rewriting them in a way modern readers can understand. He has also arranged the stories in some coherent order to create an overall narrative of the Norse Gods.
Gaiman explains at the beginning that a lot of stories about the Norse Gods are simply lost to time and oral tradition, so the stories only follow a handful of the gods, mostly Thor, Loki, Odin, Freya, and a few others.
I found this book to be extremely informative about the Norse God lore and the way the Norse understood our world and universe. These stories set the foundation for so many fantasy stories. Gaiman's comedic timing in this is perfect. I found myself chuckling regularly about Thor and Loki's antics.
Basically, Loki is ridiculous no matter who tells the story, Thor is the biggest himbo, Freya is tired of all the bullshit with people trying to constantly marry her off, and Fenris Wolf deserved better (especially from Tyr).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Gore, and Torture
Once Upon a Broken Heart, by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
3.5 ⭐ CW: violence
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber is book one in the Once Upon a Broken Heart trilogy and is a spin-off of the Caraval series. This book I felt was more romance than the Caraval series. Where Caraval had some great world-building and intricate magic systems, this one felt barebones and so did the characters.
We follow Evangeline, a girl with rose gold hair who is watching as the boy she loves plans to marry her stepsister. The beginning of the story reads like a twisted Cinderella retelling, until Evangeline seeks out the Fated Prince of Hearts to stop the wedding. Of course, nothing goes as planned, and everyone knows you can't trust Jacks.
After Evangeline saves the wedding party from being stone, Scarlett and Donatella send her and her stepsister north to attend a ball called Nocte Neverending to be their ambassador. Lots of magical hijinks, twists, and mysteries abound. A lot of themes on fate, trust, and the nature of love. For some reason, though I loved Caraval, the vibes just weren't there for me on this one. I thought Evangeline was annoying and a terrible MC. She didn't have nearly enough growth, and the other characters felt very one dimensional. I wanted more from the world building and magic systems, but I thought those were pretty glossed over.
I didn't hate it, but I won't be picking up the rest of the books in this series.
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber is book one in the Once Upon a Broken Heart trilogy and is a spin-off of the Caraval series. This book I felt was more romance than the Caraval series. Where Caraval had some great world-building and intricate magic systems, this one felt barebones and so did the characters.
We follow Evangeline, a girl with rose gold hair who is watching as the boy she loves plans to marry her stepsister. The beginning of the story reads like a twisted Cinderella retelling, until Evangeline seeks out the Fated Prince of Hearts to stop the wedding. Of course, nothing goes as planned, and everyone knows you can't trust Jacks.
After Evangeline saves the wedding party from being stone, Scarlett and Donatella send her and her stepsister north to attend a ball called Nocte Neverending to be their ambassador. Lots of magical hijinks, twists, and mysteries abound. A lot of themes on fate, trust, and the nature of love. For some reason, though I loved Caraval, the vibes just weren't there for me on this one. I thought Evangeline was annoying and a terrible MC. She didn't have nearly enough growth, and the other characters felt very one dimensional. I wanted more from the world building and magic systems, but I thought those were pretty glossed over.
I didn't hate it, but I won't be picking up the rest of the books in this series.
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence
Battle for the Park, by H.D. Hunter
adventurous
mysterious
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? No
4.0
4 ⭐ CW: missing kids
Battle for the Park by H.D. Hunter is book one in the Futureland series. This was a great scifi coming of age story that takes place in 2948 and briefly touches on the (recent) history of Atlanta. This was also a great mystery! It was a tad predictable, but hey, it's middle grade.
We follow Cameron, a kid who lives in the futuristic amusement park his parents built called Futureland. Futureland has different sections called 'destinies' where you can live out different virtual reality fantasies, like going inside your favorite adventure novel. The park is run by Revs, machines with AI brains that run on programmed stories. One of these revs is Cameron's best friend Dooley. When Futureland arrives over Atlanta, Cameron starts real school for the first time.
Though nervous that everyone at school will think he's weird for living in Futureland, he makes a great group of friends right away. This found family helps Cameron when the revs from the park start acting weird and dangerous. Soon Cameron notices his parents aren't his parents, something is wrong with Dooley, and it's up to Cameron to save Futureland.
This was such a good book! I loved the black futurism and the mystery. I need more black mystery in my life. It was so nice to see Cameron's best friend was black girl sporting afro puffs. I also loved the artwork inside! It was like a mini comic book inside my novel. Kadijah did a great job. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book and learn more about the shady corporation of ADRC.
Thank you to H.D. Hunter for sending me a copy of this book.
Battle for the Park by H.D. Hunter is book one in the Futureland series. This was a great scifi coming of age story that takes place in 2948 and briefly touches on the (recent) history of Atlanta. This was also a great mystery! It was a tad predictable, but hey, it's middle grade.
We follow Cameron, a kid who lives in the futuristic amusement park his parents built called Futureland. Futureland has different sections called 'destinies' where you can live out different virtual reality fantasies, like going inside your favorite adventure novel. The park is run by Revs, machines with AI brains that run on programmed stories. One of these revs is Cameron's best friend Dooley. When Futureland arrives over Atlanta, Cameron starts real school for the first time.
Though nervous that everyone at school will think he's weird for living in Futureland, he makes a great group of friends right away. This found family helps Cameron when the revs from the park start acting weird and dangerous. Soon Cameron notices his parents aren't his parents, something is wrong with Dooley, and it's up to Cameron to save Futureland.
This was such a good book! I loved the black futurism and the mystery. I need more black mystery in my life. It was so nice to see Cameron's best friend was black girl sporting afro puffs. I also loved the artwork inside! It was like a mini comic book inside my novel. Kadijah did a great job. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book and learn more about the shady corporation of ADRC.
Thank you to H.D. Hunter for sending me a copy of this book.
Songs of Vice, by Nicole Bailey
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? No
5.0
5 ⭐ CW: (provided by the author) alcoholism, graphic death, xenophobia, child neglect mentions, homophobia, lesbophobia, cisgenderism, cursing, sexual content
"You are a lioness who's been raised to believe she's a kitten. You could tear the world apart if you wanted."
Songs of Vice by Nicole Bailey is book one The Siren's Call series, coming to a bookshelf near you next month. You guys know how I felt about the Apollo Rising series, and this one doesn't disappoint! It's like a New Adult Six of Crows or The Gilded Wolves mixed with The Folk of the Air. This one is also a bit spicier 🌶️ than the Apollo books too. Just think: magic, fairies, elemental magic, found family, lots of queer characters, and many twists.
We follow Lira, a siren mostly ignorant about her powers and about the Fae, just wants to get away from her abusive mother and not harm anyone anymore. While trying to make her escape, she becomes embroiled in a magical heist with Fae, specifically the mysterious Sai. We get a great and diverse cast of characters who I immediately loved and would die for. I love Neia and Elisa's relationship, it's so pure. Sai is greyromantic! And there is a nonbinary character, named Luz, who I hope gets a pov chapter next book.
At first I found Lira's naivete and meekness to be annoying until I realized it was because she reminded me of me. That's what happens to someone when their mother is emotionally abusive and narcissistic. Luz's quote above perfectly sums up Lira, and it was so satisfying to see her finally stand up to her mother and tell her to die mad about. Something I wish I could do. There were also twists! I guessed one of them, but not the others. Now I have to (im)patiently wait for book two.
Your only job next month is to go buy this book.
"You are a lioness who's been raised to believe she's a kitten. You could tear the world apart if you wanted."
Songs of Vice by Nicole Bailey is book one The Siren's Call series, coming to a bookshelf near you next month. You guys know how I felt about the Apollo Rising series, and this one doesn't disappoint! It's like a New Adult Six of Crows or The Gilded Wolves mixed with The Folk of the Air. This one is also a bit spicier 🌶️ than the Apollo books too. Just think: magic, fairies, elemental magic, found family, lots of queer characters, and many twists.
We follow Lira, a siren mostly ignorant about her powers and about the Fae, just wants to get away from her abusive mother and not harm anyone anymore. While trying to make her escape, she becomes embroiled in a magical heist with Fae, specifically the mysterious Sai. We get a great and diverse cast of characters who I immediately loved and would die for. I love Neia and Elisa's relationship, it's so pure. Sai is greyromantic! And there is a nonbinary character, named Luz, who I hope gets a pov chapter next book.
At first I found Lira's naivete and meekness to be annoying until I realized it was because she reminded me of me. That's what happens to someone when their mother is emotionally abusive and narcissistic. Luz's quote above perfectly sums up Lira, and it was so satisfying to see her finally stand up to her mother and tell her to die mad about. Something I wish I could do. There were also twists! I guessed one of them, but not the others. Now I have to (im)patiently wait for book two.
Your only job next month is to go buy this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Sexual content, Xenophobia, and Deadnaming
Minor: Child abuse, Cursing, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, and Transphobia
Son of a Witch, by Gregory Maguire
adventurous
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
3 ⭐ CW: Violence, sexual content, torture, sexual assault, animal cruelty
Son of a Witch by Gregory Maguire is book two in the Wicked Years series, set after the events in Wicked. I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first book. This was really slow and plodding with an unengaging MC.
We follow Liir, the alleged son of the Wicked Witch of the West. Liir is basically useless and one dimensional the whole book. He doesn't really start to have any growth until like 75% through the book. What I did enjoy were the themes around the sociopolitical climate of Oz, and the criticism of different forms of government and their grasp for power and control.
Liir walks all over Oz, alone searching for any clue to his maybe half sister Nor. He becomes a soldier and defects, and finally decides to grow a personality and do something that the Witch probably would have approved of.
It was an interesting read if you're into politics and such, but I probably won't read the next two books in the series.
Son of a Witch by Gregory Maguire is book two in the Wicked Years series, set after the events in Wicked. I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first book. This was really slow and plodding with an unengaging MC.
We follow Liir, the alleged son of the Wicked Witch of the West. Liir is basically useless and one dimensional the whole book. He doesn't really start to have any growth until like 75% through the book. What I did enjoy were the themes around the sociopolitical climate of Oz, and the criticism of different forms of government and their grasp for power and control.
Liir walks all over Oz, alone searching for any clue to his maybe half sister Nor. He becomes a soldier and defects, and finally decides to grow a personality and do something that the Witch probably would have approved of.
It was an interesting read if you're into politics and such, but I probably won't read the next two books in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Animal death, Violence, and Animal cruelty
Moderate: Sexual assault
The Poppy War, by R.F. Kuang
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- 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
4.0
4 ⭐ CW: violence, child abuse, drug use/addiction, bullying, descriptions of blood and gore, rape, torture, war, gruesome deaths of adults and children, genocide, suicide
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang is book one in the Poppy War Trilogy. I went into this book as a buddy read with an irl friend without realizing it was going to be grimdark. I was not prepared. If you mean to read this series, please please check the content warnings. This book is not for the faint of heart; however, I do think this is worth the read, especially if you are able to read the author's note to get historical context.
We follow Rin, a dark skinned outsider from a rural province, where she is abused by her adoptive family. But Rin is ambitious and strives in her studies in order to be accepted into the military school at Sinegard. She quickly realizes that just getting out of her poor town isn't enough. Dealing with not being accepted because of her socioeconomic status and her dark skin, means if she wants respect, she has to be the best. Part one of the book starts out as sort of dark academia with a metaphysical element, but quickly turns to grimdark by part two.
While at Sinegard, Rin learns to access the gods, but the god she reaches for is the Phoenix, the burning god of revenge and hatred. Rin is fighting a war that can not be won against the island nation of Mugin. She joins a ragtag regiment of soldiers who all can access the gods in some way to aid their fighting, unfortunately, they go mad after a while. There is a lot that happens that I can't even begin to get into, but there are plenty of things I didn't see coming.
This book is an examination of the historical sociopolitical climate between Nikara and Mugin (China and Japan respectively) as well as the cost of war tactics. Rin's story is one of rage and revenge and a lust of power in order to control her own life. In the quest for power she loses something in herself. The price one pays for committing atrocities. Though this is primarily fiction, the author includes some notes on the real history of China during WW2 and the war with Japan. The hardest part to swallow is knowing that every single atrocity that happened in this book, happened in real life too.
I think Kuang's work is important. We rarely get to hear about China's history in the west, and sometimes stories are the easiest way to get them in the public consciousness. I look forward to book two to see how Rin is living with her decisions and how her relationships continue to evolve.
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang is book one in the Poppy War Trilogy. I went into this book as a buddy read with an irl friend without realizing it was going to be grimdark. I was not prepared. If you mean to read this series, please please check the content warnings. This book is not for the faint of heart; however, I do think this is worth the read, especially if you are able to read the author's note to get historical context.
We follow Rin, a dark skinned outsider from a rural province, where she is abused by her adoptive family. But Rin is ambitious and strives in her studies in order to be accepted into the military school at Sinegard. She quickly realizes that just getting out of her poor town isn't enough. Dealing with not being accepted because of her socioeconomic status and her dark skin, means if she wants respect, she has to be the best. Part one of the book starts out as sort of dark academia with a metaphysical element, but quickly turns to grimdark by part two.
While at Sinegard, Rin learns to access the gods, but the god she reaches for is the Phoenix, the burning god of revenge and hatred. Rin is fighting a war that can not be won against the island nation of Mugin. She joins a ragtag regiment of soldiers who all can access the gods in some way to aid their fighting, unfortunately, they go mad after a while. There is a lot that happens that I can't even begin to get into, but there are plenty of things I didn't see coming.
This book is an examination of the historical sociopolitical climate between Nikara and Mugin (China and Japan respectively) as well as the cost of war tactics. Rin's story is one of rage and revenge and a lust of power in order to control her own life. In the quest for power she loses something in herself. The price one pays for committing atrocities. Though this is primarily fiction, the author includes some notes on the real history of China during WW2 and the war with Japan. The hardest part to swallow is knowing that every single atrocity that happened in this book, happened in real life too.
I think Kuang's work is important. We rarely get to hear about China's history in the west, and sometimes stories are the easiest way to get them in the public consciousness. I look forward to book two to see how Rin is living with her decisions and how her relationships continue to evolve.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Classism, Genocide, Gore, Sexual violence, Fire/Fire injury, Medical trauma, Child abuse, Child death, Grief, Drug use, Murder, Suicidal thoughts, Drug abuse, Addiction, Bullying, Death, Sexual assault, Violence, War, Torture, Slavery, Suicide, Physical abuse, and Rape
The Milky Way: An Autobiography of Our Galaxy, by Moiya McTier
challenging
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
5 ⭐ CW: depression
The Milky Way: An Autobiography of Our Galaxy by Moiya McTier is a nonfiction book that aims to better our understanding of the Galaxy we live in, but in an unexpected and entertaining way. I don't read a lot of nonfiction, but I was so excited when I found this at my library, because I love Moiya (no romo).
Moiya takes on the voice of the Milky Way, so it is the Milky Way that is telling us its story and communicating science and history. In this book, our Galaxy is anthropomorphized and has a distinct personality (arrogant and smug similar to a cat), relationships with other galaxies, love of the stars it creates, has depression in the form of a supermassive black hole, and pines for a romantic encounter with a far away galaxy (Andromeda). The Milky Way is an amusing character whose voice might be grating if it wasn't all encompassing and omniscient.
Moiya McTier is the creator of Exolore Podcast, a facts based world-building show where she, an astro physicist and a folklorist, and a panel of experts, create a fictional world and fictional creatures using real science. This is a great podcast for anyone looking to figure out how to do world-building for scifi. When I spotted the book at the library, I snatched it up immediately.
If you are interested in astronomy or any kind of science, or are interested in where some scifi stuff comes from, while also learning about our own galactic history, pick this book up, learn something and laugh a bit. You should also subscribe to Exolore Pod (available anywhere you get podcasts) and get a cool creative writing or art prompt at the end of each episode.
The Milky Way: An Autobiography of Our Galaxy by Moiya McTier is a nonfiction book that aims to better our understanding of the Galaxy we live in, but in an unexpected and entertaining way. I don't read a lot of nonfiction, but I was so excited when I found this at my library, because I love Moiya (no romo).
Moiya takes on the voice of the Milky Way, so it is the Milky Way that is telling us its story and communicating science and history. In this book, our Galaxy is anthropomorphized and has a distinct personality (arrogant and smug similar to a cat), relationships with other galaxies, love of the stars it creates, has depression in the form of a supermassive black hole, and pines for a romantic encounter with a far away galaxy (Andromeda). The Milky Way is an amusing character whose voice might be grating if it wasn't all encompassing and omniscient.
Moiya McTier is the creator of Exolore Podcast, a facts based world-building show where she, an astro physicist and a folklorist, and a panel of experts, create a fictional world and fictional creatures using real science. This is a great podcast for anyone looking to figure out how to do world-building for scifi. When I spotted the book at the library, I snatched it up immediately.
If you are interested in astronomy or any kind of science, or are interested in where some scifi stuff comes from, while also learning about our own galactic history, pick this book up, learn something and laugh a bit. You should also subscribe to Exolore Pod (available anywhere you get podcasts) and get a cool creative writing or art prompt at the end of each episode.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
A Psalm of Storms and Silence, by Roseanne A. Brown
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
5 ⭐ CW: (provided by the author) fantasy violence, self-harm, emotional and physical abuse, anxiety/panic attacks, grooming, suicidal ideation
A Psalm of Storms and Silence by Roseanne A. Brown is the second and final book of the Song of Wraiths and Ruin duology. This book blew my mind! The only thing I regret is not having read it sooner. I may have loved this book even more than the first one! Read the rest at your own risk, as there will be spoilers for book 1.
We pick up with Karina and Malik's perspectives after the very upsetting ending of the last book. Karina is on the run trying to figure out how take back her throne, get revenge on Farid, and have more control over her wind powers. Malik is with Farid and the lich still struggling with the war of anxiety in his mind along with the presence of the spirit Idir. I have never read a series where my opinions on the MCs have made a complete 180° since the last book. Last book I found Karina annoying, and I was constantly yelling at her to get it together and be responsible, but in this book I found her infinitely more relatable, courageous, and determined. I was rooting for her the whole time. Malik started out as the gentle boy with anxiety who tended to be self-destructive, and I just wanted to wrap him up and protect him. In this book, he becomes Farid's cowardly dog, and in his desire for control (over his mind and Idir), he becomes cruel, self-serving, and violent.
We get some great new side characters in this book that I wish we had gotten more of. This book was a study of the gray areas of life. No character was completely good or bad. Each made mistakes and hurt people, but it's hard to label someone a villain when you understand their motives and the circumstances that led up to them. The reasons don't absolve that person of their actions, but understanding goes a long way. It's also a story about forgiving yourself for your mistakes and moving forward to find something to live for. Just one thing.
Karina's story in particular, was about seeing what is wrong and being the one who does something about it. Things don't have to stay the way they have always been. Change, though slow and difficult, can happen if you're the one to make it happen. It's also a story of sacrifice, though it's never the sacrifice you expect.
This series is so severely underrated! I need everyone to go pick up a copy of A Song of Wraiths and Ruin. Roseanne A. Brown did a marvellous job with duology. She made me feel so many things. Her words, especially while describing Malik's anxiety hit home, along with his trauma response of fawning whenever he thought Farid was upset. I never realized I do the same thing until I read this book.
Will be immediately buying all of Brown's future books as they come out.
A Psalm of Storms and Silence by Roseanne A. Brown is the second and final book of the Song of Wraiths and Ruin duology. This book blew my mind! The only thing I regret is not having read it sooner. I may have loved this book even more than the first one! Read the rest at your own risk, as there will be spoilers for book 1.
We pick up with Karina and Malik's perspectives after the very upsetting ending of the last book. Karina is on the run trying to figure out how take back her throne, get revenge on Farid, and have more control over her wind powers. Malik is with Farid and the lich still struggling with the war of anxiety in his mind along with the presence of the spirit Idir. I have never read a series where my opinions on the MCs have made a complete 180° since the last book. Last book I found Karina annoying, and I was constantly yelling at her to get it together and be responsible, but in this book I found her infinitely more relatable, courageous, and determined. I was rooting for her the whole time. Malik started out as the gentle boy with anxiety who tended to be self-destructive, and I just wanted to wrap him up and protect him. In this book, he becomes Farid's cowardly dog, and in his desire for control (over his mind and Idir), he becomes cruel, self-serving, and violent.
We get some great new side characters in this book that I wish we had gotten more of. This book was a study of the gray areas of life. No character was completely good or bad. Each made mistakes and hurt people, but it's hard to label someone a villain when you understand their motives and the circumstances that led up to them. The reasons don't absolve that person of their actions, but understanding goes a long way. It's also a story about forgiving yourself for your mistakes and moving forward to find something to live for. Just one thing.
Karina's story in particular, was about seeing what is wrong and being the one who does something about it. Things don't have to stay the way they have always been. Change, though slow and difficult, can happen if you're the one to make it happen. It's also a story of sacrifice, though it's never the sacrifice you expect.
This series is so severely underrated! I need everyone to go pick up a copy of A Song of Wraiths and Ruin. Roseanne A. Brown did a marvellous job with duology. She made me feel so many things. Her words, especially while describing Malik's anxiety hit home, along with his trauma response of fawning whenever he thought Farid was upset. I never realized I do the same thing until I read this book.
Will be immediately buying all of Brown's future books as they come out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, and Self harm
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Suicidal thoughts