Scan barcode
kylieqrada's review against another edition
- 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
3.5
Graphic: Violence, Racism, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Gun violence, Misogyny, and War
Minor: Death of parent, Sexual violence, and Lesbophobia
hayleyvem's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Death, Injury/Injury detail, Confinement, Violence, Blood, Deportation, Gun violence, Racism, Sexual harassment, Death of parent, Grief, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Police brutality, Xenophobia, Kidnapping, Murder, Pregnancy, and War
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Lesbophobia, Alcohol, Homophobia, and Child abuse
Minor: Abandonment
motypeandroid's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
On top of that, the magic system is so underdeveloped it’s not even funny. Earthsong does whatever you want it to: healing, earthquakes, empathic powers, flying, giant storm, etc. just stupid.
Graphic: Police brutality, Sexual assault, and Racism
Moderate: Gun violence, Kidnapping, and Misogyny
Minor: Homophobia
britreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
While I did enjoy this, I felt that most of the story was meant to set the stage for future novels. Most of the plotlines feel unresolved. I'm intrigued enough where I'm willing to give the rest of the series a chance. But overall, I felt this story really only served to introduce readers to problems that will be explored in future installments. That seems obvious since this is the first in a series. But I don't think the stakes were clearly spelled out enough for me.
Song of Blood & Stone did a great job exploring race and racism. I think the discrimination the Lagrimari faced was so painfully similar to discrimination marginalized communities face in the US and around the world. I am curious to see if the series will have a more nuanced take on the magic in this world since it clearly causes so much conflict between the Lagrimari and Elsirans.
I'm always happy to read fantasy written by a Black author. I've read reviews for the other books in the series and it seems to get better with each book, so I'm excited to see what is in store for this universe.
Moderate: Sexual assault, War, Violence, Xenophobia, and Sexual violence
novella42's review
I meant to come back to it when I had more energy and resilient mental health, but the audiobook returned to the library and I am not that motivated.
Graphic: Grief, Slavery, War, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Rape, Confinement, Deportation, Gore, Homophobia, Medical trauma, Police brutality, Racism, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, and Classism
kennadis's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Racism, Death of parent, and Sexual assault
e_flah's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The world of Song of Blood & Stone was absolutely fascinating. It's almost but not quite an alternate 1920s -- think telegrams and old-school roadsters. The magical border of the Mantle between Elsira and Lagrimar was both a fascinating piece of world-building and a great plot device. The prolonged conflict between the two warring nations was woven into the story in a way that felt completely natural. I kept hoping for a bit more world-building as there was a lot I wanted to know but I guess I'll just have to keep reading the Earthsinger Chronicles for that.
If you're looking for a fast-paced fantasy novel with a compelling romance, I'd definitely recommend Song of Blood & Stone.
Moderate: Child death, Racism, and Sexual assault
cinnaroll's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Murder and Sexual assault
siobhanisreading's review against another edition
4.25
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Sexual violence and Domestic abuse
allisonwonderlandreads's review
- 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
3.0
Although I was a bit overwhelmed at first, I was firmly settled into the world by the end of the book. It has a historical vibe with technology like airships, radios, and cars. The book largely avoids info dumps. Each chapter kicks off with an adage from the world's legends, and Jasminda explores an important moment in history, the schism between Elsira and Lagrimar, firsthand through a magical object. I enjoyed how even though the 1920s/30s accoutrements made the world a bit familiar, it still feels fresh and intriguing.
In terms of romance, since that's the main engine for the plot, you can expect a star-crossed, us against the world feel with some open door steam. It's a bit instalove or at least a whirlwind, but the intensity of their experiences together made it slightly less perplexing to me.
I will warn readers that in addition to the fun sexual content on the page, there are some violent near-misses in terms of sexual assault for both leads. There is also copious sexual harassment directed Jasminda's way. Wartime violence extends to the attack of unarmed or underpowered refugees on multiple occasions. It is a hard book in those respects.
While the particular central romance was nice but not amazing for this reader, I feel very invested in the world and its trajectory by the end of this book. Now that world-building is established, I am excited to pick up the sequel and see if its romantic tropes are more to my taste because I think the series has a lot to offer.
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Misogyny, Racism, Gun violence, Physical abuse, War, and Violence
Minor: Lesbophobia, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail