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magpiewithpebbles's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Death, Violence, Xenophobia, Sexual violence, and Colonisation
kylieqrada's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-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
3.5
I enjoyed my time with this one! I think I read it in its original format, but I remember nothing from that. The lore was developed really well and I liked the social commentary. Not sure if I will continue, but I'm open to it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Racism, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Gun violence, Misogyny, and War
Minor: Death of parent, Sexual violence, and Lesbophobia
britreads's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- 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
Despite some issues I had with world-building and character motivations, I really, really, really enjoyed the first book in the Earthsinger Chronicles. Jasminda and Ella were by far my favorite characters and I hope they get to interact with each other one day. I liked Jasminda and Jack's relationship though I wish the story didn't end with them getting engaged. There are four books plus 3 novellas in this series. They can take their time with their relationship. My least favorite POV was Benn and in future novels, I hope he develops a better story.
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, War, Violence, Xenophobia, and Sexual violence
clarabooksit's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-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
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Violence, and Racism
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Colonisation, Police brutality, War, Racial slurs, and Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent and Sexual violence
siobhanisreading's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Sexual violence and Domestic abuse
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