Book Review: A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown

4 out of 5 Stars!

The Blurb

For Malik, the Solstasia festival is a chance to escape his war-stricken home and start a new life with his sisters in the prosperous desert city of Ziran. But when a vengeful spirit abducts Malik’s younger sister, Nadia, as payment into the city, Malik strikes a fatal deal—kill Karina, Crown Princess of Ziran, for Nadia’s freedom.

But Karina has deadly aspirations of her own. Her mother, the Sultana, has been assassinated; her court threatens mutiny; and Solstasia looms like a knife over her neck. Grief-stricken, Karina decides to resurrect her mother through ancient magic . . . requiring the beating heart of a king. And she knows just how to obtain one: by offering her hand in marriage to the victor of the Solstasia competition.

When Malik rigs his way into the contest, they are set on a course to destroy each other. But as attraction flares between them and ancient evils stir, will they be able to see their tasks to the death?

My Thoughts?

Brown brought so many wonderful creatures and spirits to life straight from West African mythology that I couldn’t help but love this unique and vivid world. The cultural immersion–everything from the food and religion to politics and games–was well established as an intricate part of this roller coaster tale.

And the characters! I loved seeing Malik’s love for his sisters even if it led him to so many terrible consequences. The princess was no different. The complicated family interactions and emotions felt raw and real with realistic representations of anxiety as well as excellent and varied demonstrations of grief. Plus I always appreciate a touch of romance 🙂

One thing I especially appreciated in this story was introduction of so many varied governmental systems, deities, and magical forms without it feeling like an info dump. And the plot was so full of twists and turns! Admittedly, I felt a little bit overwhelmed or even lost at times, since parts of the action were so fast, but in the end, I couldn’t put the book down. Trigger warnings for racism, gruesome death, and emotional abuse.

Overall I give A song of Wraiths and Ruin 4 out of 5 stars. Despite a bit of plot confusion, I can’t wait to see what’s next in store for these characters!

Happy Reading!