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A review by sauvageloup
The Song Rising by Samantha Shannon
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
really enjoyed this book overall, it was very gripping
pros:
- there was a lot of twists and turns from Paige discovering the exact nature of the senshields, Burnish being a spy, the trap in Manchester, the poltergeist in the senshield core being the same one as Paige encountered as a child (I assume), etc. </spoilers>
- it definitely gathered momentum, with the ending being climatic and the riots mirroring Paige's memories; there was a good sense of everything linking together in this book.
- I was gripped by all the drama, even in the earlier parts of the book, and the writing was good, clear and vivid. I liked how Shannon used the slang and created new words, and it felt less muddling in this book. I could definitely imagine the different cities and how they'd been changed by Scion.
- I like how fleshed out the main characters are and how they have their own motivations and wants separate to Paige like Danica running away, Nick wanting to protect Zeke, Maria wanting to burn stuff lol, and the other members of the assembly have different ideas about ruling. And I like that Paige did listen and care about their council
- Of course I enjoyed the magical/spiritual/fantasy aspects, and the angst and whump towards the end which was intense.
cons:
- I felt that the narrative was a bit disjointed with the different events and Paige travelling around the country. She didnt seem to finish what she started in Manchester and it didnt feel very satisfying in the middle of the book, though I was still keen to read it.
- Paige very much frustrated me at the start as she seemed to mess with Warden unnecessarily, pushing him away and back again. it felt like meaningless plot angst without any real reason for it. obviously there is danger from Terebell finding out but she seemed to decide to sack it off for arbitrary reasons.
- certain plot points, like the underground sewer ppl seemed too convenient at times, as well as how Paige received info.
- I felt Paige was foolish a lot of times too with her Manchester trip where she was trying to prove herself due to her pride, and when she "sacrificed" herself at the riots. Even though she had a plan to stick it out and somehow take down senshield while a prisoner, it seemed very flimsy and wouldnt have worked unless for mant lucky breaks, like being sat next to Alsafi. While we can assume she's naive and doing her best, some decisions and lack of insight did frustrate me
but overall, I did enjoy it a lot and will def read the next one.
pros:
- there was a lot of twists and turns
- it definitely gathered momentum, with the ending being climatic and the riots mirroring Paige's memories; there was a good sense of everything linking together in this book.
- I was gripped by all the drama, even in the earlier parts of the book, and the writing was good, clear and vivid. I liked how Shannon used the slang and created new words, and it felt less muddling in this book. I could definitely imagine the different cities and how they'd been changed by Scion.
- I like how fleshed out the main characters are and how they have their own motivations and wants separate to Paige
- Of course I enjoyed the magical/spiritual/fantasy aspects, and the angst and whump towards the end which was intense.
cons:
- I felt that the narrative was a bit disjointed with the different events and Paige travelling around the country. She didnt seem to finish what she started in Manchester and it didnt feel very satisfying in the middle of the book, though I was still keen to read it.
- Paige very much frustrated me at the start
- certain plot points, like the underground sewer ppl seemed too convenient at times, as well as how Paige received info.
- I felt Paige was foolish a lot of times too
but overall, I did enjoy it a lot and will def read the next one.