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A review by queer_bookwyrm
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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
4.0
4 ⭐ CW: self-harm, violence, emotional and physical abuse, anxiety and panic attacks, parent death, and animal death, slavery
"But you are kind, Malik Hilali. Do not underestimate the strength it takes to be kind in a world as cruel as ours."
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown is an excellent YA fantasy set in a West African inspired setting. I devoured this book. I wish I had this book when I was in high school.
We follow two MCs whose pov alternates with each chapter. Malik, an Eshran boy with anxiety is trying to get into the city of Ziran with his sister's when he unwittingly makes a deal with a spirit names Idir, and is dragged into a game in order to save his younger sister. Karina, the princess of Ziran is a bit of an impetuous brat who has no motivation to rule, suffers from migraines and ends up having to take her mother's place sooner than she thought. Both are of their destinies are connected, but they are trying to kill each other.
This is classic hero's journey with enemies to lovers slow burn. I really liked the magic system in this, but I hope we get to explore it more in the next book. I loved how the author weaved in an element of oral storytelling and the power it can have. We also get representation of anxiety and panic attacks along with it actually becoming the thing that helps him in the end.
I loved the descriptions in this! I could practically smell the spices and see all the colors of Solsatcia! The writing was a joy to read. It was like Brown was weaving her own illusions, just like Malik.
I liked the way the MC's stories tied together and there were twists I didn't see coming. Some things were a little predictable, but I didn't mind. I did find Karina to be annoying for a good chunk of the book, because she was being very stubborn, short sighted, and selfish until she finally got it together. I'm looking forward to seeing how each of their magic grows as Malik and Karina learn how to use it.
"But you are kind, Malik Hilali. Do not underestimate the strength it takes to be kind in a world as cruel as ours."
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown is an excellent YA fantasy set in a West African inspired setting. I devoured this book. I wish I had this book when I was in high school.
We follow two MCs whose pov alternates with each chapter. Malik, an Eshran boy with anxiety is trying to get into the city of Ziran with his sister's when he unwittingly makes a deal with a spirit names Idir, and is dragged into a game in order to save his younger sister. Karina, the princess of Ziran is a bit of an impetuous brat who has no motivation to rule, suffers from migraines and ends up having to take her mother's place sooner than she thought. Both are of their destinies are connected, but they are trying to kill each other.
This is classic hero's journey with enemies to lovers slow burn. I really liked the magic system in this, but I hope we get to explore it more in the next book. I loved how the author weaved in an element of oral storytelling and the power it can have. We also get representation of anxiety and panic attacks along with it actually becoming the thing that helps him in the end.
I loved the descriptions in this! I could practically smell the spices and see all the colors of Solsatcia! The writing was a joy to read. It was like Brown was weaving her own illusions, just like Malik.
I liked the way the MC's stories tied together and there were twists I didn't see coming. Some things were a little predictable, but I didn't mind. I did find Karina to be annoying for a good chunk of the book, because she was being very stubborn, short sighted, and selfish until she finally got it together. I'm looking forward to seeing how each of their magic grows as Malik and Karina learn how to use it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Panic attacks/disorders, and Animal death
Moderate: Violence, Child abuse, Death of parent, and Slavery