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cvandy34's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
swampbooks's review against another edition
3.0
Malik and Karina have personality that I could easily cling to. Maliks’ anxiety was written so true-to-life that his hesitation and actions were understandable. It made him feel more realistic, and I always appreciate that in a book because it helps me immerse myself into the story better.
As someone who has also made mistakes and regretful actions due to anger issues and bursts of rage, I was also able to easily understand Karina’s actions. The author just did a really great job at portraying mental illnesses and a wide spectrum of personalities.
ALSO the political climate that parallels the real world was done well. If only we, too, had leaders who would recognize that injustice is a disease ravaging the country. Sounds nice.
While it was nice to see anxiety depicted realistically, nothing in this story was exactly revolutionary. I didn’t find myself surprised or shocked at anything, but I did still experience chills, laughter, sadness, and fear throughout my reading. I certainly look forward to seeing what happens next.
As someone who has also made mistakes and regretful actions due to anger issues and bursts of rage, I was also able to easily understand Karina’s actions. The author just did a really great job at portraying mental illnesses and a wide spectrum of personalities.
ALSO the political climate that parallels the real world was done well. If only we, too, had leaders who would recognize that injustice is a disease ravaging the country. Sounds nice.
While it was nice to see anxiety depicted realistically, nothing in this story was exactly revolutionary. I didn’t find myself surprised or shocked at anything, but I did still experience chills, laughter, sadness, and fear throughout my reading. I certainly look forward to seeing what happens next.
barbaletta's review
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kaiteayu's review against another edition
4.0
*spoilers*
I'd love to re-read and learn more about West African folklore to better understand parts of the book and significant details I may not have caught my first time reading. I absolutely love the world-building and character's personalities in the book. Malik’s point of view is very important and is a significant part of the story. The male lead’s vulnerability and his struggle with mental health are so important and something that I would like to see represented more in media. Karina and Malik go through so much that it impacts them emotionally and mentally. Although Karina is constantly around others, she feels isolated and lonely, even though she is a crowned princess. Additionally, there were a lot of twists and turns that I enjoyed in the book; however, I do see some reviews where they say that they don't understand the romantic relationship and where that stemmed from, and I can see that point of view. However, I think they can be themselves around each other, making them feel as though they can be comfortable with one another. Of course, Malik pretends to be somebody else, but there is a vulnerability that is different from that of other people. I also saw reviews about Karina being annoying. Although I understand where people are coming from, she is still very young, doesn't have great familial support, and is raised in a way where she is now supposed to become the ruler. So I can see where she can seem entitled, but I’m pretty sure it’s the point and might barely be in the second book. She is a strong female lead character, and I’m excited to see more of her. Additionally, with Malik and Karianas relationship, I do like the somewhat of a slow burn, and it seems like it was more in Malik's point of view where we felt a lot of those feelings; however, it was more of him just denying it. So there are enemies to lovers and somewhat of a forbidden love story, which is nice. I'm definitely interested in rereading and reading the second book. I think this is great, and finding out that it was the author's debut is inspiring!
I'd love to re-read and learn more about West African folklore to better understand parts of the book and significant details I may not have caught my first time reading. I absolutely love the world-building and character's personalities in the book. Malik’s point of view is very important and is a significant part of the story. The male lead’s vulnerability and his struggle with mental health are so important and something that I would like to see represented more in media. Karina and Malik go through so much that it impacts them emotionally and mentally. Although Karina is constantly around others, she feels isolated and lonely, even though she is a crowned princess. Additionally, there were a lot of twists and turns that I enjoyed in the book; however, I do see some reviews where they say that they don't understand the romantic relationship and where that stemmed from, and I can see that point of view. However, I think they can be themselves around each other, making them feel as though they can be comfortable with one another. Of course, Malik pretends to be somebody else, but there is a vulnerability that is different from that of other people. I also saw reviews about Karina being annoying. Although I understand where people are coming from, she is still very young, doesn't have great familial support, and is raised in a way where she is now supposed to become the ruler. So I can see where she can seem entitled, but I’m pretty sure it’s the point and might barely be in the second book. She is a strong female lead character, and I’m excited to see more of her. Additionally, with Malik and Karianas relationship, I do like the somewhat of a slow burn, and it seems like it was more in Malik's point of view where we felt a lot of those feelings; however, it was more of him just denying it. So there are enemies to lovers and somewhat of a forbidden love story, which is nice. I'm definitely interested in rereading and reading the second book. I think this is great, and finding out that it was the author's debut is inspiring!
lady_moon'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
5.0
Rep: West African inspired world, all-Black cast, MC with migraines, refugee MC with severe anxiety and panic attacks, sapphic side character
This was so good, wtf 😭 And to think I read almost 500 pages in 5 days while I was in vacation, damn-
I was reminded why fantasy is my favorite genre, I was reminded what a monster I was with reading fantasy books and I was remind how the page count genuinely doesn't matter if you're hooked.
Damn, how dare this book be so good, I genuinely didn't expect it. The writing, the plot, the characters: ten out of freaking ten.
This was so good, wtf 😭 And to think I read almost 500 pages in 5 days while I was in vacation, damn-
I was reminded why fantasy is my favorite genre, I was reminded what a monster I was with reading fantasy books and I was remind how the page count genuinely doesn't matter if you're hooked.
Damn, how dare this book be so good, I genuinely didn't expect it. The writing, the plot, the characters: ten out of freaking ten.
doramaria's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
malinuknow's review
4.0
Okayz, let me tell you this. I did not expect that ending!! I really enjoyed this book, the writing, the plot, and the characters. The only struggle I had with it was the scenery, or maybe the way the places was (or wasn't) described. I had some trouble following where they were and how they got there since they moved preeetty darn quick through different places. Other than that - I highly enjoyed and recommend it! I'm for sure going to pre-order the sequel once it's possible! :D
kcutchlow's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
The world-building in this book is rich and immersive, drawing the reader into a fantastical desert city brimming with intrigue and danger. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, each with their own motivations and struggles that make them feel incredibly real.
What I loved most about "A Song of Wraiths and Ruin" is the way it seamlessly weaves together elements of fantasy, romance, and political intrigue. The blend of magic, mythical creatures, and forbidden love creates a spellbinding narrative that will keep you guessing until the very last page.