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deedireads'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
4.25
I read A Song of Wraiths and Ruin back when it first came out, and afterward I knew I’d be reading the sequel. I’m happy to report that Psalm is a great duology conclusion! It’s a bit slower paced than the first one (at least for the first half or so), but that’s in service of deeper character work that I ultimately appreciated. The end, though, had me flipping pages like mad — and what a strong, compassionate ending it was.
There’s so much to love here. Imaginative worldbuilding, a compelling plot, and characters I’d probably take a bullet for. But to me, the most noteworthy thing about this duology is Roseanne Brown’s exploration of mental illness through the lens of a fantasy story. Anxiety, panic attacks, and asserting control over your own mind are all presented in both conventional and metaphorical ways. This second book also includes a heartbreaking but deeply empathetic portrayal of emotional abuse.
I’m so glad I read these books! If you’re looking for a quick escape into a compelling fantasy duology, definitely pick them up.
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
andatherrin'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? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Suicide attempt, War, Xenophobia, Mental illness, Gaslighting, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content
internationalreads's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Incest, Murder, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Violence, War, Blood, Child abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Grief, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racism, Self harm, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, Animal death, Classism, Colonisation, Confinement, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Racial slurs
asiantomato's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Torture
blueberry0531'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? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Self harm, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Torture, Sexual content, Blood, and Death
Minor: Trafficking and Sexual assault
thewildmageslibrary's review against another edition
5.0
My poor babies Karina and Malik go through so much in this story 😭
I adore this duology. All of the loose threads are wrapped up excellently and yet I still want more. The depictions of mental health struggles in particular are so well done.
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Racism, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Violence, Panic attacks/disorders, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Death, Grief, Body horror, Colonisation, Genocide, Emotional abuse, and Slavery
Minor: Death of parent and Fire/Fire injury
brennar16'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? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
sophiesmallhands'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
4.75
Graphic: Violence, War, Xenophobia, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, and Grief
isleoflinds'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
5.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Grief, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Self harm
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
althebookworm'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? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, and Violence
Moderate: Death, Grief, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Sexual content