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beldaran1224's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This was a fantastic conclusion to the duology! This book, like the first, is narrated through both Malik & Karina. It is more heavily focused on their relationship than the previous book, but instead of the more personal plots in the first book, the plot of this book is bigger in scale.
Throughout the book I was incredibly frustrated with Malik - in the best way. The way in which he was so wrapped up in Farid's charisma felt very grounded in his character as developed so far. I found myself ranting about how blind Malik was to the bigger events around him - which is usually a complaint I have about books, but in this case, truly found it to be highly realistic and captivating.
About the endingit is NOT a happy ever after, or even a happy for now. It doesn't wrap things up in a nice bow. But it was somehow still very satisfying .
Throughout the book I was incredibly frustrated with Malik - in the best way. The way in which he was so wrapped up in Farid's charisma felt very grounded in his character as developed so far. I found myself ranting about how blind Malik was to the bigger events around him - which is usually a complaint I have about books, but in this case, truly found it to be highly realistic and captivating.
About the ending
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Colonisation, Grief, Self harm, Gaslighting, and Mental illness
Moderate: Racial slurs and Suicidal thoughts
sunlit_music's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
A fitting and triumphant end to a marvellous duology!!
Plot - 5/5. The plot is original, easy to follow, makes sense, was exciting and full of tension and action, and kept me engaged from start to finish.
Characters - 5/5. All characters are believable, complex, act in character. They're all distinct and easy to tell apart. All of them are so interesting - not just the major characters, but also the minor ones! I love Yaema, Driss' and Tunde's relatives. I love Malik's sisters Leila and Nadia. Nadia is so freaking adorable!! The way she comforts Hanane by saying, "You look like a princess! You look normal!" Was so cute!
Caracal is funny and delightful, and Karina is badass and vulnerable. Afua is lovely and sweet, Hanane is fierce and lovable, and Malik has an incredible character arc. There's so many great characters to read about!
Pacing - Pacing was fast during action scenes, while still easy to follow, and that's when you know you're reading a great book. Pacing slowed down during thoughtful scenes where characters are resolving disputes, goofing off, supporting each other, which helped me understand and appreciate them more. Pacing was great, in short. :)
Representation - representation is INCREDIBLE! There's Ife, who is autistic and non binary, has a great sense of humour and so much charm. Malik has depression and self harms, and isn't portrayed as a saint or villain, but a real, flawed human being who is sometimes kind and at other times ruthless. He redeems himself in the end and what I appreciate about him is that he admits redemption is an ongoing thing, not a one off action.
Characters are BIPOC (Black, from different nations) and portrayed in a nuanced, thoughtful manner. There's plenty of interesting, strong and brave characters of all genders and ages.
World building - the history and mythology of the story's world is rich, detailed, lush and immersive. I love reading about the necropolis and pharaohs, and learning about the complex and painful history between Karina's and Malik's ancestors. I appreciate how this isn't a simple story of people who are purely good and evil, but flawed people trying to do what they think is right. I love how the story shows that some people can change for the better.
The scenes about the omens are vivid, spine chilling and I didn't see the scenes with the last omen coming! It was a totally unexpected plot twist, but made sense.
Ending - I love the ending, it's hopeful, uplifting while still being realistic. The way Karina solves her problems is inventive and clever, and feels hard won.
The narrators are all amazing, they're so talented! They all added humour, pathos and emotion to the characters they voiced. The e-book is wonderful, but if you can do it, buy the audio book - because the narrators/voice actors all make the characters and story come to life!
Plot - 5/5. The plot is original, easy to follow, makes sense, was exciting and full of tension and action, and kept me engaged from start to finish.
Characters - 5/5. All characters are believable, complex, act in character. They're all distinct and easy to tell apart. All of them are so interesting - not just the major characters, but also the minor ones! I love Yaema, Driss' and Tunde's relatives. I love Malik's sisters Leila and Nadia. Nadia is so freaking adorable!! The way she comforts Hanane by saying, "You look like a princess! You look normal!" Was so cute!
Caracal is funny and delightful, and Karina is badass and vulnerable. Afua is lovely and sweet, Hanane is fierce and lovable, and Malik has an incredible character arc. There's so many great characters to read about!
Pacing - Pacing was fast during action scenes, while still easy to follow, and that's when you know you're reading a great book. Pacing slowed down during thoughtful scenes where characters are resolving disputes, goofing off, supporting each other, which helped me understand and appreciate them more. Pacing was great, in short. :)
Representation - representation is INCREDIBLE! There's Ife, who is autistic and non binary, has a great sense of humour and so much charm. Malik has depression and self harms, and isn't portrayed as a saint or villain, but a real, flawed human being who is sometimes kind and at other times ruthless. He redeems himself in the end and what I appreciate about him is that he admits redemption is an ongoing thing, not a one off action.
Characters are BIPOC (Black, from different nations) and portrayed in a nuanced, thoughtful manner. There's plenty of interesting, strong and brave characters of all genders and ages.
World building - the history and mythology of the story's world is rich, detailed, lush and immersive. I love reading about the necropolis and pharaohs, and learning about the complex and painful history between Karina's and Malik's ancestors. I appreciate how this isn't a simple story of people who are purely good and evil, but flawed people trying to do what they think is right. I love how the story shows that some people can change for the better.
The scenes about the omens are vivid, spine chilling and I didn't see the scenes with the last omen coming! It was a totally unexpected plot twist, but made sense.
Ending - I love the ending, it's hopeful, uplifting while still being realistic. The way Karina solves her problems is inventive and clever, and feels hard won.
The narrators are all amazing, they're so talented! They all added humour, pathos and emotion to the characters they voiced. The e-book is wonderful, but if you can do it, buy the audio book - because the narrators/voice actors all make the characters and story come to life!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War, Toxic relationship, and Torture
Moderate: Colonisation, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Self harm
kaylamoran's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
I am obsessed with this duology. I absolutely loved book 1 and was so worried that this one wouldn't live up to it, but I liked it even more! Both easy 5 star reads for me.
Malik has my heart and I'd die for him.
I'll definitely be checking out anything else Roseanne A. Brown writes. Everything about this felt so unique, and even the tropes didn't feel tropey. It was genuinely unpredictable, which for someone who reads as much YA fantasy as i do, can be very difficult to achieve.
Did I mention I love Malik? I love Malik.
Malik has my heart and I'd die for him.
I'll definitely be checking out anything else Roseanne A. Brown writes. Everything about this felt so unique, and even the tropes didn't feel tropey. It was genuinely unpredictable, which for someone who reads as much YA fantasy as i do, can be very difficult to achieve.
Did I mention I love Malik? I love Malik.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Gaslighting, Self harm, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Blood, Child death, Classism, Death of parent, Toxic relationship, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Murder, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, and War
Minor: Kidnapping, Alcohol, Bullying, Confinement, and Fire/Fire injury
deedireads's review against another edition
adventurous
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? It's complicated
4.25
All my reviews live at https://deedispeaking.com/reads/.
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
andatherrin's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
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 against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
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
mimccub's review against another edition
I'm still disliking Karina. Malik's anxiety and cutting are disconcerting to read and I am uncomfortable with him cutting himself as a coping mechanism. I feel like there should have been a conversation between them by now about why he tried to kill her and the author is dragging this out. I feel like Malik should have realized how Tunde died by now and that Karina didn't kill him.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Self harm
sophiesmallhands's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War, Xenophobia, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, and Grief
monicalaurette's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
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
4.5
There’s not much that I can say about this book without spoiling it since it’s a sequel (so if you haven’t read the first one WHAT are you doing here?)
“It’s not every day you get to embark on a new character arc.”
I thought one thing would happen to a character, and something else entirely different would occur which just goes to show how wonderful the writing is to have you also not notice what is happening along with the POVs. And I loved the new characters that we were introduced to in this book, mainly Ife. I wanted to travel the world with them because they kept me laughing even in the saddest parts.
Seeing how this was a sequel, certain relationships developed and others deteriorated during the course of the book. I was happy for some, and others hurt me to my core. Part of that is because I thought of my own similar relationships (sibling/child/friend) and thought about how emotional it would be for me. But thankfully (I guess) I am not from a line of royalty with a magic secret nor am I destined to fight someone like that.
"Every time she’d look for a savior and hadn’t found one, she’d become her own.”
I’m glad that we were able to explore more of the Sonande world in this book though. I've always loved it in books where they explore their world, even if it’s not the point of the particular book and the world building is mentioned in passing. It helps keep me connected while reading. Now I just need Rosanne to write a book of a traveler just going through all of Sonande, maybe Ife, and talking about all the beauty & magic of the world around them.
I gave this book 4.5 stars because it twas a wonderful story and a great way to end a curse. I just dislike open endings which this book sort of had, I want to have more of a solid ending, but that’s a personal thing and nothing against the book or author. If you’ve gone this far in my review and haven’t read either both books or just this one in the series please do now. You’re missing out on a wonderfully crafted & enrapturing story.
“This was still his mind. He was still the strongest person here.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, and Death
Moderate: Animal death, Murder, and Slavery
Minor: Gaslighting
isleoflinds's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Grief, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Self harm
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts