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photopotamus's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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
amayaethomas's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
3.5
shaila_m's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book!!!! It brings you on such an adventure that just makes you think. And when you think all is gone and lost, then well the story surprises you!
behindpaperbacks's review
adventurous
mysterious
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
5.0
smakinde's review against another edition
4.0
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the African folklore and I love how surprised I was with some of the twists towards the end of the book. I really thought I knew exactly where the plot was going, but then there were a few moments that I was not anticipating and I really loved that. I always love when I am wrong about a plot. Karina is the typical princess who rebels against anything and everything, but she has endured great pain. Malik--I just wanted to hug him. The anxiety that he deals with that haunts him day in and day out? I can relate. I loved the sibling relationships and I was heartbroken in the beginning when his sister was taken.
The biggest complaint... the magic/world building was really confusing the first 100-150 pages. I am an avid fantasy reader, but even for me, this was hard to navigate. It would have been a 5 stars for me if that aspect hadn't been so difficult....BUT I am still so glad that I kept going. I will definitely read the second book.
The biggest complaint... the magic/world building was really confusing the first 100-150 pages. I am an avid fantasy reader, but even for me, this was hard to navigate. It would have been a 5 stars for me if that aspect hadn't been so difficult....BUT I am still so glad that I kept going. I will definitely read the second book.
books_backpacks_and_beyond's review against another edition
4.0
It was a really nice story. The setting reminded me a lot of the Daevabad trilogy, which I also enjoyed. I really enjoyed how the conflict that the main characters were going through was portrayed. It was quite believable, and therefore, it felt quite genuine.
alwaysairie's review against another edition
5.0
And there goes a top tier YA fantasy novel to start the year of nicely!
imds'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? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Confinement, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and Colonisation
libraryofdreaming's review against another edition
5.0
Update 2022: Rereading this has made me love it even more. Upgrading my rating to 5 stars!
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin was one of my most anticipated releases of 2020 and although it was not at all what I expected, I loved it! This book was advertised as a YA star-crossed romance between two enemies who are trying to kill each other, but I think that’s off the mark. For me, this book was about two individuals, a princess and a refugee, and their journey through an impressive fantasy world to face their personal demons and the demons of the past. It’s also a book about family, mental illness, immigration, politics, and conflict.
The world-building was so intricate and rich I felt like I was transported. There are so many layers of politics, myths, and conflicting allegiances. I also adored the focus on grief and mental illness, which I think was really well done. One of the main characters has anxiety and I really, really appreciated how it was incorporated into the main plot. There was one clever twist in the final battle that made me want to cheer out loud! It was extremely satisfying and clever.
The romance was a lot more slow-moving and subtle than I expected. In fact, it takes quite a while for the main characters to even interact. Instead you get an introduction to the world of Ziran and its dangers, prejudices, and conflicts. Family is very important to the story as well as mythology and history. I definitely wouldn’t go into this book expecting only a romance, but if you want an engaging high fantasy, this is it! I think the author has done a great job setting the groundwork and I’m very excited for the sequel!
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin was one of my most anticipated releases of 2020 and although it was not at all what I expected, I loved it! This book was advertised as a YA star-crossed romance between two enemies who are trying to kill each other, but I think that’s off the mark. For me, this book was about two individuals, a princess and a refugee, and their journey through an impressive fantasy world to face their personal demons and the demons of the past. It’s also a book about family, mental illness, immigration, politics, and conflict.
The world-building was so intricate and rich I felt like I was transported. There are so many layers of politics, myths, and conflicting allegiances. I also adored the focus on grief and mental illness, which I think was really well done. One of the main characters has anxiety and I really, really appreciated how it was incorporated into the main plot. There was one clever twist in the final battle that made me want to cheer out loud! It was extremely satisfying and clever.
The romance was a lot more slow-moving and subtle than I expected. In fact, it takes quite a while for the main characters to even interact. Instead you get an introduction to the world of Ziran and its dangers, prejudices, and conflicts. Family is very important to the story as well as mythology and history. I definitely wouldn’t go into this book expecting only a romance, but if you want an engaging high fantasy, this is it! I think the author has done a great job setting the groundwork and I’m very excited for the sequel!
cottonmouse42's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25