A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin (A Song of Wraiths and Ruin, #1)

by Roseanne A. Brown

An instant New York Times bestseller!

The first in a gripping fantasy duology inspired by West African folklore in which a grieving crown princess and a desperate refugee find themselves on a collision course to murder each other despite their growing attraction—from debut author Roseanne A. Brown. This New York Times bestseller is perfect for fans of Tomi Adeyemi, Renée Ahdieh, and Sabaa Tahir.

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 his younger sister, Nadia, as payment to enter 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 heart-pounding 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?

"Magic creates a centuries-long divide between peoples in this stunning debut novel inspired by North African and West African folklore. An action-packed tale of injustice, magic, and romance, this novel immerses readers in a thrilling world and narrative reminiscent of Children of Blood and Bone." (Publishers Weekly, "An Anti-Racist Children's and YA Reading List")

Don't miss the second book in this epic duology, A Psalm of Storms and Silence!

Reviewed by tweetybugshouse on

4 of 5 stars

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This debut totally lived up to what i was expecting. Karina is the daughter of the Sultana and basically feels like she worth nothing since the death of her farther and sister in a horrible fire that she takes all the blame for, so much so that their a huge gulf of loneliness between herself and her mother. Malik and his sisters are outsiders who due to unforeseen magic are swallowed into a competition that grips you by the teeth with it imagery. The author does a fabulous job of describing this land, painting pictures of what transpires during the competition and never once forgets about the debilitating panic that plagues the characters. Their a lot of character growth throughout the story and the pages fly by as your immersed in the intertwining tale of Karina and Malik. The anguish i feel for both characters as in their own ways they are fighting for family and are pushed into what transpires by unseen forces. This is truly what i enjoy in YA fantasy traveling to new lands, battling unimaginable horrors and maybe learning a lesson or two along the way. I can’t wait to read the sequel.

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  • Started reading
  • 18 August, 2020: Finished reading
  • 18 August, 2020: Reviewed