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A review by ditown
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Okay, so I can't be objective with this book because I know the author. So I will say straight up that I am biased to like this book. But hey, I had a great time reading this! :"D
This is one of those books where you can just tell that the author had fun writing it. It's got magic, court politics, a tournament, ancient secrets—a delicious combination of drama and plot twists.
I really liked both of the main characters, whose flaws were integral to the story but whose determination to pursue their goals were really engaging. I particularly love how kind and gentle Malik was. The character development was very satisfying, as we get to watch Malik transform from a timid, confused person into someone who's learned to confront his fear, while Karina grows up and shoulders responsibility that she once shrank from.
Though the goals of the protagonists were to kill each other, I was rooting for both of them, and their internal struggles to make heavy decisions had me on the edge of my seat in a will-they-or-won't they suspense.
Also, call me Tunde because Farid's betrayal ripped my heart out :(((((( .
For fans of YA fantasy, this is a fun book with protagonists who are imperfect. The initial pacing was a little more leisurely while the last half of the book picks up, getting more and more intense and chaotic. I literally could not put this book down by the last 15 chapters or so. My responsibilities will suffer for this, but that is a sacrifice I'm willing to make.
This is one of those books where you can just tell that the author had fun writing it. It's got magic, court politics, a tournament, ancient secrets—a delicious combination of drama and plot twists.
I really liked both of the main characters, whose flaws were integral to the story but whose determination to pursue their goals were really engaging. I particularly love how kind and gentle Malik was. The character development was very satisfying, as we get to watch Malik transform from a timid, confused person into someone who's learned to confront his fear, while Karina grows up and shoulders responsibility that she once shrank from.
Though the goals of the protagonists were to kill each other, I was rooting for both of them, and their internal struggles to make heavy decisions had me on the edge of my seat in a will-they-or-won't they suspense.
Also,
For fans of YA fantasy, this is a fun book with protagonists who are imperfect. The initial pacing was a little more leisurely while the last half of the book picks up, getting more and more intense and chaotic. I literally could not put this book down by the last 15 chapters or so. My responsibilities will suffer for this, but that is a sacrifice I'm willing to make.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Panic attacks/disorders, and Violence
Minor: Self harm