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bookswithmaddi's review against another edition
3.0
* Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review *
Ruinsong is a wonderfully built majestic book with a fantastic magic system that transports you to a world where music is magic. We follow Cadence, a singer for the queen who grew up an orphan until her powers were realized. Cadence is forced to use her magic to torture the subjects of the country. With no choice but to obey the Queen she continues the queen's evil reign over the country. In comes Remi, a noble who lives out of the city with her mother and father, and Cadence’s childhood best friend. When circumstances cause their paths to align again they must work to overcome their differences and overthrow the queen. Sparks fly as undiscovered feelings rise up between the two, they might get more than just freedom from this journey.
Ruinsong was stunning. I, of course, was drawn in by the beautiful cover. But it was the plot which caused me to request it on Netgalley. I’ve been trying to read more Sapphic novels so this was a perfect choice! The magic system is definitely my favorite part of this book, it’s absolutely fascinating and so unique! It reminded me slightly of the magic system in This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab, but there were also elements that reminded me of the Shadow and Bone trilogy by Leigh Bardugo. I think overall the world building was the best part of this book. Although we didn’t learn too much about the world outside of the country that Cadence and Remi live in, there was a nice establishment of a religion and a reason for the magic system. I thought the magic was also really nicely developed. It made sense and wasn’t too complicated but also retained a sense of whimsy and uniqueness.
My main critique of this book is the pacing and characters. The book definitely has a slow start, the main plot doesn’t occur until a little over halfway through the book which made it a little difficult to get through at first. Overall, the plot was a bit predictable but still had twists that I could appreciate with the added intrigue of the magic system. As far as the characters, they didn’t feel very developed to me. Cadence and Remi were reasonably well mapped out but they fell into some pretty predictable and stereotypical roles. I wish there had been a bigger cast. While there were some other characters none of them made a huge impact and some felt unnecessary and seemed to just be plot devices.
While I do have some critiques of this book I still highly recommend it. I think it can definitely be enjoyed by a younger audience and the diverse representation is always very appreciated!
Ruinsong is a wonderfully built majestic book with a fantastic magic system that transports you to a world where music is magic. We follow Cadence, a singer for the queen who grew up an orphan until her powers were realized. Cadence is forced to use her magic to torture the subjects of the country. With no choice but to obey the Queen she continues the queen's evil reign over the country. In comes Remi, a noble who lives out of the city with her mother and father, and Cadence’s childhood best friend. When circumstances cause their paths to align again they must work to overcome their differences and overthrow the queen. Sparks fly as undiscovered feelings rise up between the two, they might get more than just freedom from this journey.
Ruinsong was stunning. I, of course, was drawn in by the beautiful cover. But it was the plot which caused me to request it on Netgalley. I’ve been trying to read more Sapphic novels so this was a perfect choice! The magic system is definitely my favorite part of this book, it’s absolutely fascinating and so unique! It reminded me slightly of the magic system in This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab, but there were also elements that reminded me of the Shadow and Bone trilogy by Leigh Bardugo. I think overall the world building was the best part of this book. Although we didn’t learn too much about the world outside of the country that Cadence and Remi live in, there was a nice establishment of a religion and a reason for the magic system. I thought the magic was also really nicely developed. It made sense and wasn’t too complicated but also retained a sense of whimsy and uniqueness.
My main critique of this book is the pacing and characters. The book definitely has a slow start, the main plot doesn’t occur until a little over halfway through the book which made it a little difficult to get through at first. Overall, the plot was a bit predictable but still had twists that I could appreciate with the added intrigue of the magic system. As far as the characters, they didn’t feel very developed to me. Cadence and Remi were reasonably well mapped out but they fell into some pretty predictable and stereotypical roles. I wish there had been a bigger cast. While there were some other characters none of them made a huge impact and some felt unnecessary and seemed to just be plot devices.
While I do have some critiques of this book I still highly recommend it. I think it can definitely be enjoyed by a younger audience and the diverse representation is always very appreciated!
ditahunter's review
3.0
¡Wuola, wuola!
Canción de Sangre era uno de esos libros que llevaba meses esperando a tener en mis estanterías. Francamente la edición en español tiene 100 paginas menos por la tipografia que han empleado, lo cual, teniendo el precio que tiene, no me parece del todo correcto (cuesta 16,90), pero bueno, como habia descuento por ser el dia del libro aproveche para hacerme con él y que me doliera menos al bolsillo.
La novela es de corte juvenil y se lee en un suspiro, es muy ágil de leer, aunque a veces empleen palabras un poco rimbombantes, se lee deprisa, algo que he agradecido.
Por otro lado, el world building que desarrollan a lo largo de la trama me parece escaso para todo lo que pretende abarcar la autora y, aunque el sistema de magia me pareció de lo más interesante, no es algo que desarrolle casi en la novela, tan solo mencionando algunas cosas relacionadas con la misma y mostrándose más bien pocos.
En la novela se nos habla de una rebelión, la cual no hace atisbo de presencia hasta casi los últimos 5 capítulos, el resto de la trama se centra todo el rato en Remi y Gadence, dos amigas separadas tras el golpe de estado que hay en el reino cuando ellas son niñas y que, cuando se reencuentran, una se ha vuelto la marioneta de la reina y la otra una noble sin poder. Ya en la propia sinopsis nos dan a entender el interés romántico que sienten ambas entre si, pero el como esta desarrollado en la historia.... me parece poco creíble y verosímil, como si lo intentara meter con calzador. En cierta forma anda entre el cliché de Enemies to Lovers y Friends To Lovers, pero no llega a ser ninguno de los dos y ese tira y afloja que tienen es muy poco creíble, sobre todo si tenemos en cuenta algunas reacciones bastante infantiles que tienen las personajes entre si y, además, ninguna es capaz de empatizar al 100% con la otra, pensando en todo momento en lo que ellas quieren y no en lo que puede querer la otra en la situación que le ha tocado (ejem Remi ejem).
En definitiva, este libro habría triunfado si lo hubieran hecho bilogía o trilogía, con más paginas y algo más que contar, pues el final es bastante apresurado y la villana y sus secuaces, bueno, casi ni puedes odiarlos ni amarlos, existen en su mayoría del tiempo y te acuerdas de ellos cuando los mencionan. Una novela un poco olvidable.
2,5/3
Canción de Sangre era uno de esos libros que llevaba meses esperando a tener en mis estanterías. Francamente la edición en español tiene 100 paginas menos por la tipografia que han empleado, lo cual, teniendo el precio que tiene, no me parece del todo correcto (cuesta 16,90), pero bueno, como habia descuento por ser el dia del libro aproveche para hacerme con él y que me doliera menos al bolsillo.
La novela es de corte juvenil y se lee en un suspiro, es muy ágil de leer, aunque a veces empleen palabras un poco rimbombantes, se lee deprisa, algo que he agradecido.
Por otro lado, el world building que desarrollan a lo largo de la trama me parece escaso para todo lo que pretende abarcar la autora y, aunque el sistema de magia me pareció de lo más interesante, no es algo que desarrolle casi en la novela, tan solo mencionando algunas cosas relacionadas con la misma y mostrándose más bien pocos.
En la novela se nos habla de una rebelión, la cual no hace atisbo de presencia hasta casi los últimos 5 capítulos, el resto de la trama se centra todo el rato en Remi y Gadence, dos amigas separadas tras el golpe de estado que hay en el reino cuando ellas son niñas y que, cuando se reencuentran, una se ha vuelto la marioneta de la reina y la otra una noble sin poder. Ya en la propia sinopsis nos dan a entender el interés romántico que sienten ambas entre si, pero el como esta desarrollado en la historia.... me parece poco creíble y verosímil, como si lo intentara meter con calzador. En cierta forma anda entre el cliché de Enemies to Lovers y Friends To Lovers, pero no llega a ser ninguno de los dos y ese tira y afloja que tienen es muy poco creíble, sobre todo si tenemos en cuenta algunas reacciones bastante infantiles que tienen las personajes entre si y, además, ninguna es capaz de empatizar al 100% con la otra, pensando en todo momento en lo que ellas quieren y no en lo que puede querer la otra en la situación que le ha tocado (ejem Remi ejem).
En definitiva, este libro habría triunfado si lo hubieran hecho bilogía o trilogía, con más paginas y algo más que contar, pues el final es bastante apresurado y la villana y sus secuaces, bueno, casi ni puedes odiarlos ni amarlos, existen en su mayoría del tiempo y te acuerdas de ellos cuando los mencionan. Una novela un poco olvidable.
2,5/3
dame_samara's review against another edition
3.0
This book had so many exciting ideas that I wish had been explored more in-depth than they were.
Ruinsong has one of the most unique magic systems I have encountered in a fantasy novel. I wanted to know so much more about the different branches of magic that exist. While this is such an integral part of the story, this was brushed over,
Cadence is... remarkably uninteresting as a character to follow; her motivations are entirely self-centered. She commits acts that are very much war crimes, and this book does not address it.
Cadence as a character is the exemplary example of the discussion of if someone turned a blind eye to the things happening in Germany during WW2, can we really say they weren't a Nazi? Especially with Cadence being in such a high position of power.
There are undertones of the argument of how she was raised, and because she was never taught how to defend herself, how could she possibly fight this higher power.
In the end, Cadence doesn't answer to any of the above; the book kind of shrugs and is like, well, she gets pardoned by her GF's mom, and everything is just hunky-dory.
What I will sing praises for is the queer representation, alongside the representation of non-monogamous relationships. Non-monogamy is rarely shown in books as an option, which is the biggest annoyance when it comes to Love Triangles because I'm like, WHY NOT BOTH?
But to read a story where it is 'mostly' normal to have queer and non-monogamous relationships and straight monogamy isn't the default was incredibly refreshing. Even if it also features insta-love.
All in All:
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an interesting read with a nice side of romance. But isn't wanting to think too deeply about things going on in the book,
But don't expect it to follow through on:
Her voice was her prison…
Now it’s her weapon.
Ruinsong has one of the most unique magic systems I have encountered in a fantasy novel. I wanted to know so much more about the different branches of magic that exist. While this is such an integral part of the story, this was brushed over,
Cadence is... remarkably uninteresting as a character to follow; her motivations are entirely self-centered. She commits acts that are very much war crimes, and this book does not address it.
Cadence as a character is the exemplary example of the discussion of if someone turned a blind eye to the things happening in Germany during WW2, can we really say they weren't a Nazi? Especially with Cadence being in such a high position of power.
There are undertones of the argument of how she was raised, and because she was never taught how to defend herself, how could she possibly fight this higher power.
Spoiler
In reality, Cadence doesn't seek out the need to learn how she can help; she is pressured into it and is pressured into everything she does to counter the Queen.In the end, Cadence doesn't answer to any of the above; the book kind of shrugs and is like, well, she gets pardoned by her GF's mom, and everything is just hunky-dory.
What I will sing praises for is the queer representation, alongside the representation of non-monogamous relationships. Non-monogamy is rarely shown in books as an option, which is the biggest annoyance when it comes to Love Triangles because I'm like, WHY NOT BOTH?
But to read a story where it is 'mostly' normal to have queer and non-monogamous relationships and straight monogamy isn't the default was incredibly refreshing. Even if it also features insta-love.
All in All:
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an interesting read with a nice side of romance. But isn't wanting to think too deeply about things going on in the book,
But don't expect it to follow through on:
Her voice was her prison…
Now it’s her weapon.
mesreader2013's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Would have been great as a series with the characters and world built a bit more. There was so much potential that fell short. Over all, it's ok
jessturtles's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
4.0
classiestcass's review against another edition
2.0
I feel like the synopsis for this novel had so much potential but the execution of it just kind of fell flat for me. While I understand that it was a standalone, it felt rushed and could've used a lot more time for world building and just really fleshing out, well, everything. If that means it should've been more than one book, then that's something I would've been okay with if that produced a story that sank its hooks into me. As it was, I wasn't really able to delve into this book because there was nothing really to delve into. All the relationships were superficial, as were the characters themselves. With more time (and by time I mean like, more books I guess), I feel like this book would've been a million times better. There would have been more at stake during the conflict. There would have been just more feelings on my end, to be honest with you.
And I'm not trying to say this book was bad because it wasn't. But it wasn't great either. At most it was okay, which is why I gave it two stars. Plus I feel like the potential was there, it just needed longer to really come together.
Overall it was an okay book, and I'd recommend people maybe giving it a try if you're into this kind of story. I know that some people really liked this book, so it might just be my particular tastes that kept me from being really hooked by this story.
And I'm not trying to say this book was bad because it wasn't. But it wasn't great either. At most it was okay, which is why I gave it two stars. Plus I feel like the potential was there, it just needed longer to really come together.
Overall it was an okay book, and I'd recommend people maybe giving it a try if you're into this kind of story. I know that some people really liked this book, so it might just be my particular tastes that kept me from being really hooked by this story.
theduchess93's review against another edition
5.0
WOW this book surpassed its hype!! Queer magical singing during a La Terreur esque period? Absolutely fantastic. Usually I much prefer standalones to series but I just want more in this universe! The author sent me a handwritten note for pre-ordering too?? One of my favorite books of 2020.
Also, content warning -- dog death
Also, content warning -- dog death
anyacrittenton's review against another edition
2.0
I enjoyed this book, especially as a Phantom retelling, but it definitely starts stronger than it finishes and it has some serious pacing issues in the middle.
I loved the world of this book and really want to learn more about it, which is why I'm not mad that the book finished by hinting at a sequel. Remi and Cadence were both wonderful protagonists and Ember's writing helped me realize I don't hate first-person POV on principle, I just hate how most authors employ it. But I didn't mind the first-person POV of this book at all, even switching between our two leads. Elene was a little thin as a character and villain, however. A lot of the book felt thin and underdeveloped, but I'm hoping that can be fixed in a sequel if there is one.
As a queer Phantom retelling, I was fairly happy, but I hope if there is a sequel, that the pacing is fixed and it doesn't drag as much as the middle/end of this book did. Also, this book has a VERY abrupt ending, which I didn't love.
I loved the world of this book and really want to learn more about it, which is why I'm not mad that the book finished by hinting at a sequel. Remi and Cadence were both wonderful protagonists and Ember's writing helped me realize I don't hate first-person POV on principle, I just hate how most authors employ it. But I didn't mind the first-person POV of this book at all, even switching between our two leads. Elene was a little thin as a character and villain, however. A lot of the book felt thin and underdeveloped, but I'm hoping that can be fixed in a sequel if there is one.
As a queer Phantom retelling, I was fairly happy, but I hope if there is a sequel, that the pacing is fixed and it doesn't drag as much as the middle/end of this book did. Also, this book has a VERY abrupt ending, which I didn't love.
pantsreads's review against another edition
3.0
2.5/5
Really great idea, but it's light on execution and could have benefitted from more focus on world-building. More definitely would have been more with this book.
Check out my full review at Forever Young Adult.
Really great idea, but it's light on execution and could have benefitted from more focus on world-building. More definitely would have been more with this book.
Check out my full review at Forever Young Adult.