The first in a gripping fantasy duology inspired by West African folklore in which a grieving crown princess and a desperate refugee find themselves on a collision course to murder each other despite their growing attraction—from debut author Roseanne A. Brown. Perfect for fans of Tomi Adeyemi, Renée Ahdieh, and Sabaa Tahir. For Malik, the Solstasia festival is a chance to escape his … chance to escape his war-stricken home and start a new life with his sisters in the prosperous desert city of Ziran. But when a vengeful spirit abducts his younger sister, Nadia, as payment to enter the city, Malik strikes a fatal deal—kill Karina, Crown Princess of Ziran, for Nadia’s freedom.
But Karina has deadly aspirations of her own. Her mother, the Sultana, has been assassinated; her court threatens mutiny; and Solstasia looms like a knife over her neck. Grief-stricken, Karina decides to resurrect her mother through ancient magic . . . requiring the beating heart of a king. And she knows just how to obtain one: by offering her hand in marriage to the victor of the Solstasia competition.
When Malik rigs his way into the contest, they are set on a heart-pounding course to destroy each other. But as attraction flares between them and ancient evils stir, will they be able to see their tasks to the death?
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I listened to this in audio and I highly recommend! It’s not often that I read a book and can’t see a way through for the characters, but this one really had me by the throat. I was stressed! LOL. She needs to kill him because of REAONS. He needs to stab her in the heart because of REASONS. Both their reasons are legit and, whew, it was a wild ride. I’m anxiously awaiting book two.
One of my fav books from last year! What if Aladdin and Jasmine had to kill each other! + African folklore
A rapturous love story with wickedly delicious magic and bloody stakes, A Song of Wraiths and Ruin is a heart-racing epic that can’t be missed.
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin was absolutely phenomenal. This book is the first in a YA fantasy duology inspired by West African folklore. Set in a gorgeously created world full of violence and danger, but also beauty and joy, Karina and Malik were amazingly unique characters I was rooting for the whole damn time.
Karina is my dream princess: strong, whip-smart, head-strong and not afraid to fight her own battles. Malik was the soft-hearted, magical-storytelling-poet I’ve always wanted in a hero — and pitting the two of them against each other is an act of genius on the part of the author. Their conflict was so well-constructed and so intense, I honestly could not predict the path toward their HEA — an HEA I know we’ll see in the second book, but even still…this romance was slow-burn to its core, swoony and sexy, even though it’s technically YA.
I loved it!
At the very beginning, I was kind of wondering where everything would go in the story and how it would come to fruition. But then, the world building sucks you in! It’s very developed, not confusing at all, and intriguing from the start! There’s lots of intrigue and suspense to keep you on your toes, which I loved!
“Each patron deity ruled over a single day of the week, and when a child was born, the midwife would carve the emblem of one of the seven gods into their left palm so every person could know their Alignment.”
This fantasy surprised me because it portrays Mental Health, one that’s so close to my life, so I was able to relate in that aspect with Malik. I loved that while the MH is talked about, it’s not the forefront of Malik’s character. It also ends up being such a strength! I loved the twist the author did on this.
“This is my mind. I am the strongest person here.”
While this has romance, it’s not FULLY the focus. There’s also a focus on the family. Malik and his sisters have such a bond that they’d do ANYTHING for each other! Right from the start, we get Malik and his sisters. Slowly, we start getting introduced to them and their story. And when something happens, it shows to what length these siblings would go to protect one another.
Speaking of romance, boy was I feeling the chemistry! It definitely kept me wanting more! It was really good, even with the added fact that they want to kill each other without the other knowing. We mostly get just the tip of the ice berg of the romance, but I adored what I got, and I’m so looking forward to see how it all plays out in the sequel!
“Anyone who tried to take this city from her would soon discover that the Kestrel’s daughter had talons of her own.”
THE FOLKLORE! I learned so much and again, not confusing at all! It got me so intrigued to learn more about it. It gives you enough to want to search more for yourself. The West African folklore played a massive part of the entire story, to the point it almost felt like another character. Sometimes a folklore gets pushed back in the story, but Roseanne did a brilliant job in incorporating it from the beginning to the end!
This story portrays some form of racism and it totally resonates with what’s happening right now in our world. I won’t say more so I don’t spoil, but I highly suggest you check it out for yourself!
“He was the kind of person who could be arrested at any time for any reason, who could do everything the soldiers told him to do and still leave encounter harmed.”
THE TWISTS! This book is full of unexpected twists and turns! So much so, that the reader forgets this book is long! I had no idea it was 480 pages! Everything flowed so well with enough intrigue to make you want to keep reading!
Overall, A Song of Wraiths and Ruin is freaking fantastic and great read to kick off June. I’m so looking forward for more books by Roseanne A. Brown!
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin is a young adult fantasy by Roseanne A. Brown steeped in West African folklore. Following a grieving princess and a desperate refuge, these two fates become intermingled as they each seek the use of dark magic to save those they love.
Admittedly, the first half of this novel was a little slow. It focuses much on world-building, which is not a bad thing. The world-building is excellently done. There is a lot of color and mysticism surrounding the world, but there is also a lot of folklore and storytelling by characters. This world that Brown has developed is thick in storytelling which does lure the reader into the story. Brown, no doubt, honors her country and her heritage with this world-building, creating a vibrant and beautiful city while also highlighting what it is like to be a refugee so far from home.
There were times when A Song of Wraiths and Ruin was reminiscent of Arabian Nights, most notably the tale of Aladdin. However, only in some essence because this story is entirely its own being. By tying the fates of Princess Karina and Malik, Brown creates a beautiful story with two distinct voices, giving the story a well-rounded form. It has the intrigue to keep the reader engaged even while the world-building slows down the pace.
Halfway Done
Nevertheless, once the reader passes that halfway mark, they will not be able to put down this novel. The tension rises, and the story increases in speed as the Solstasia festival and events continue to escalate. The magic comes to life as do the characters. Moreover, the history continues to unfold. There is such a dark past overshadowing this great city of Ziran and it hits the reader like a truck. Brown uses history to give the story even more tension while also changing the dynamics between the characters, enriching them.
Karina and Malik grow exponentially throughout this novel. In the beginning, Malik’s self-deprecation verges on annoyance. It does not feel right to say that because he has had such a hard life, coming from a place everyone hates and from a family that did not fully accept him. However, the way he is always putting himself down to his dynamic to his older sister, it keeps the reader at a distance.
However, as the story evolves, so does his characterization. Malik comes into himself, finding comfort in his skin as the story evolves. Malik becomes as vibrant and powerful as his magic, making him a compelling character.
The same can be said for Karina. Still reeling from the death of her older sister and father, dealing with a distant mother, Karina finds fault with herself consistently. Karina does not believe she can be queen, nor does she want it. Nevertheless, Karina finds the strength to carry on despite the reservations from those around her. She, much like Malik, comes into herself with as much ferocity as her magic.
Final Thoughts
Both characters have powerful voices that will resonate with the reader, while the world-building and folklore will entrance them. This story is as lyrical as the stories told within the narrative, luring the reader in, trapping them until the end.
Roseanne built a world unlike any other, with creatures so unique that the book was great just based on the world. Add in believable characters that I loved or hated, along with nonstop action and I couldn’t put the book down. I like fantasy and this book goes beyond the usual fantasy tropes and creatures. It’s so realistic I felt like I was there.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this, but what I got was an outstanding debut fantasy that deftly weaves West African folklore and excellent worldbuilding into an intriguing plot and memorable characters.
The story presents our two main characters with an interesting moral conundrum. How far would you go to save a loved one? For our boy Malik, he has to save his sister who’s been kidnapped by a malevolent entity. This creature will only release her if he kills a princess. Meanwhile, Princess Karina, who’s just lost her mother the queen to an assassination, desires nothing more than to bring her back from death. But the spell that will bring her back requires the heart of a king and her father is dead. So, she decides to use the upcoming festival of champions to select herself a husband, who will become king upon marriage to her– then sacrifice him for his heart. Malik decides that in order to get close enough to the princess to kill her, he must become a champion and enter the tournament. The two young people, of course, meet and, not knowing the other’s intentions, complications and doubts arise.
I won’t spoil the ending but it was satisfying and probably sets us up for an interesting sequel. While this is written for the young adult market, I think adults can also enjoy and dig into the themes of this book. Given some of the dark content of this book, I would not recommend this for the youngest YA readers.
DNF @ 42%
The story was too slow for my liking and I just didn’t enjoy it enough to continue at that pace.
A refreshing, immersive debut that should be on every fantasy lover’s shelf, A Song of Wraiths and Ruin introduces a dazzling new talent in Roseanne A. Brown.
With the heart-pounding action of Children of Blood and Bone, the magic of Spirited Away, and the twisty alluring intrigue of Game of Thrones, A Song of Wraiths and Ruin is a MASTERPIECE.
This may be a debut novel, but Brown is a deft hand at world building and diving you right into this complicated, well-rendered universe inspired by West African folklore. It’s a world rich with ancient cultures, magic, injustice, gods, and characters that draw you in from the start. (Just a head’s up, this is the first in a duology.) I listened to this book on audio, and really enjoyed the readers, if audio is your thing. Can’t wait for the follow up!
If you liked An Ember in the Ashes and Children of Blood and Bone, you’ll love this.An Ember in the Ashes Children of Blood and Bone
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. I really enjoyed this novel and the magic system introduced. I didn’t love our heroine, but I adored the hero. He was so likeable and sympathetic. While I did enjoy this overall, the chemistry between our hero and heroine was virtually non-existent so I didn’t buy that they had feelings for each other. They barely knew each other and had very little page time together.
Still. It was good with great writing and I look forward to book two.