Reviews

Song of the Six Realms by Judy I. Lin

tabimaeray's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious reflective 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

4.5

mdancer's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious slow-paced

3.0

quirkycatsfatstacks's review against another edition

4.0

 

Book Summary:

Xue has faced uncertainty for most of her life. As a young orphan, she accepted her fate would be vastly different if not for her uncle stepping in to care for her. He took her in and encouraged her musical talent.

This talent is about to change her life forever. First, it earned her an apprenticeship at an esteemed entertainment house. She went in there thinking she could never leave, only for another opportunity to raise its head.

My Review:

Song of the Six Realms is a beautiful and enchanting novel. It’s safe to say that it is absolutely perfect for readers looking for something full of Chinese folktales, music, and poetry. There’s also a dash of intrigue, politics, and romance.

What I loved the most about this novel was the overall atmosphere. Judy I. Lin’s writing somehow felt like a warm hug? That’s the best way I can describe it. The lore of this world is enough to keep most readers invested.

I’ll confess that the pacing for Song of the Six Realms can sometimes be a bit slow. It’s one of those stories that comes around eventually but isn’t in a rush to get there. If you enjoy the world and storytelling format, you’ll enjoy this book. But you might want to pass if you’re looking for something fast-paced.

Highlights:
YA Fantasy
Romantic Fantasy
Magical Realms
Music and Magic

Trigger Warnings:
Classism

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gooblefly's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious reflective relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

lilykjohnson's review against another edition

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.75

This book had all the right elements. It had a rich history with a good story, but it was just missing that spark for me (pun intended). I didn’t connect with the characters or really buy into the romance and the ending felt random when everything else seems so thought out. While the story by all definitions was good, I just wasn’t really invested. If this book had been 150 pages longer with a better hook beginning, and taken the time to really introduce us to all of the characters and flush them out better, I think it would’ve been closer to a 5⭐️.

spaceysloth's review against another edition

5.0

Song of six realms is a young adult novel about Xue who is gifted with the incredible talent of playing the qin. At a young age Xue is faced with an unfortunate fate from traitor parents, to her uncle and caretaker leaving her in contract care. Here Xue moves from a novice into a perform of the qin. Upon her first public performance she catches the eye of an unknown prospector who is a soon to be Duke. At their private audience an attack by a mythical like creature interrupts them and Xue is thrown into the Celestial Realm. In the Celestial Realm Xue is faced with the question of myths of her childhood are reality.
Judy I. Lin gives a fantasy story with a mystery steeped in Chinese mythology. Lin truly brought to life Xue’s world to the reader. I truly loved how Lin was able to put into words the emotion that the qin evoked in the characters. As well, Lin’s world building was great. For a YA I really loved it.

stuffmarareads's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

ovlovleka's review against another edition

adventurous tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.25

idesofjaim's review against another edition

Got sucked in by the beautiful cover art and just could not get into what was happening. The audiobook narrator was doing a wonderful job, I just don’t find the author’s writing style to be for me. It was like I was listening to the main character’s recount from their diary than a fleshed out book. 

b00kdragon's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective 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

4.0