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A review by allielueck
This Savage Song by V.E. Schwab
4.5
TW: gore
Overall: 4.5 stars
I have struggled to pick up another fantasy book for months, but this one grabbed my attention immediately. My attachment to this book is rooted in the characters, especially August and Isla. The concepts of V-City and the three breeds of monster blew my mind due to the sheer creativity. Schwab's writing is magical yet human, and I cannot wait to pick up Our Dark Duet, the sequel to This Savage Song.
Setting: 4 stars
I initially had a hard time understanding or visualizing V-City, but I do really like the general concept of feuding halves of a city. I loved how Kate and August met at Colton and pretended to be normal teens for a scarce few days. The Flynn Compound and the Harker Hall were two of my favorite locations.
Characters: 5 stars
August Flynn is so precious I want to protect him forever. Despite being a Sunai, he is so incredibly relatable, and I found myself smiling when he did. I also really grew to like Kate, and even though I disagreed with some decisions she made, I understood why she acted in that manner. Isla was probably my second favorite character after August because of her emotional depth and physical power. The friendship between August and Kate attempted to mend my broken heart as August struggled with his identity. Schwab developed each of the characters so seamlessly that it felt like getting to know new friends.
Plot: 4.5 stars
World-building is the hardest part of reading fantasy novels for me, but this one did not pose too much of a problem. Schwab's basis for the monsters, especially the Sunai, is so well thought out. Throughout the story, I had no idea what was coming next, which was almost like a breath of fresh air since I so often predict events. The various plot twists kept me reading way longer than I intended some days.
Writing: 5 stars
I have heard so many people rave about Schwab's writing, so I came in with relatively high expectations. She did not disappoint! The development of the plot and characters remained relatable despite the story focusing on monsters fighting over a city. Schwab's ability to depict human emotions is so impressive. I cannot wait to read more of her work.
Overall: 4.5 stars
I have struggled to pick up another fantasy book for months, but this one grabbed my attention immediately. My attachment to this book is rooted in the characters, especially August and Isla. The concepts of V-City and the three breeds of monster blew my mind due to the sheer creativity. Schwab's writing is magical yet human, and I cannot wait to pick up Our Dark Duet, the sequel to This Savage Song.
Setting: 4 stars
I initially had a hard time understanding or visualizing V-City, but I do really like the general concept of feuding halves of a city. I loved how Kate and August met at Colton and pretended to be normal teens for a scarce few days. The Flynn Compound and the Harker Hall were two of my favorite locations.
Characters: 5 stars
August Flynn is so precious I want to protect him forever. Despite being a Sunai, he is so incredibly relatable, and I found myself smiling when he did. I also really grew to like Kate, and even though I disagreed with some decisions she made, I understood why she acted in that manner. Isla was probably my second favorite character after August because of her emotional depth and physical power. The friendship between August and Kate attempted to mend my broken heart as August struggled with his identity. Schwab developed each of the characters so seamlessly that it felt like getting to know new friends.
Plot: 4.5 stars
World-building is the hardest part of reading fantasy novels for me, but this one did not pose too much of a problem. Schwab's basis for the monsters, especially the Sunai, is so well thought out. Throughout the story, I had no idea what was coming next, which was almost like a breath of fresh air since I so often predict events. The various plot twists kept me reading way longer than I intended some days.
Writing: 5 stars
I have heard so many people rave about Schwab's writing, so I came in with relatively high expectations. She did not disappoint! The development of the plot and characters remained relatable despite the story focusing on monsters fighting over a city. Schwab's ability to depict human emotions is so impressive. I cannot wait to read more of her work.
Content Warnings
Minor: Gore