Song of Blood & Stone by L Penelope

Song of Blood & Stone (Earthsinger Chronicles, #1)

by L. Penelope

The kingdoms of Elsira and Lagrimar have been separated for centuries by the Mantle, a magical veil that has enforced a tremulous peace between the two lands. But now, the Mantle is cracking and the True Father, ruler of Lagrimar and the most powerful Earthsinger in the world, finally sees a way into Elsira to seize power.

All Jasminda ever wanted was to live quietly on her farm, away from the prying eyes of those in the nearby town. Branded an outcast by the color of her skin and her gift of Earthsong, she’s been shunned all her life and has learned to steer clear from the townsfolk . . . until a group of Lagrimari soldiers wander into her valley with an Elsiran spy, believing they are still in Lagrimar.

Through Jack, the spy, Jasminda learns that the Mantle is weakening, allowing people to slip through without notice. And even more troubling: Lagrimar is mobilising, and if no one finds a way to restore the Mantle, it might be too late for Elsira. Their only hope lies in uncovering the secrets of the Queen Who Sleeps and Jasminda’s Earthsong is the key to unravel them.

Thrust into a hostile society and a world she doesn’t know, Jasminda and Jack race to unveil an ancient mystery that might offer salvation.

Reviewed by Angie on

4 of 5 stars

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Song of Blood & Stone was just as exciting, dangerous, and magical as I hoped it would be! It also had a very steamy romance, which was quite the pleasant surprise! Jasminda is half Elsiran and half Lagrimari, and residing in the borderlands between both countries. While she is an Elsiran citizen, the dark color of her skin is all that anyone sees, so she faces discrimination. As a Lagrimari, she has access to Earthsong, which is a type of magic that cannot be used to harm directly. And yet, people still fear her. One night some soldiers appear on her doorstep with a hostage, and Jasminda's life changes forever. She must leave her home, go into the heart of the city where she is not welcome, and save the world from an upcoming war of epic proportions.

Song of Blood & Stone did start off really confusing for me. It was mostly the setting that threw me off, since I thought Jasminda was in Elsira, but other characters think they're in Lagrimar, but they are on the border of the two places and there are apparently holes in the magical border than can be crossed without knowing. It took awhile for me to understand that and really get a feel for the setting, and which country the characters are actually from. However, once the plot got going, it really was going! I was completely swept away in Jasminda and Jack's story, since it's nonstop action!

While Song of Blood & Stone is listed as YA, I feel like it fits better as NA due to the ages of the characters and some of the content. Jasminda and Jack are 19 and 22, respectively, and are out in the world on their own. They're not facing any of the trials of growing up as teens do, rather Jasminda is learning to live on her own after her father and brothers died, and Jack is...well, that's a spoiler! Also, their relationship is way steamier than anything I've read in YA! There are a few sex scenes, which aren't graphic, but certainly are much more detailed. And very sexy but tasteful. So if you're wondering about a NA Fantasy, I'd say look no further!

The second half of Song of Blood & Stone is seriously amazing! I did really enjoy the first part, too, but everything really gets started when Jasminda and Jack arrive at the palace. This is where the romance blossoms despite them not being able to be together in public. This is also when the conflict between the two cultures can really be seen. The True Father is the tyrant leader of Lagrimar and he's doing everything he can to break down the barrier and invade Elsira. Meanwhile, Elsira's queen has been asleep for centuries and no one has been able to awaken her to fight this threat! Of course, Jasminda is the chosen one, and I really liked how she was able to piece things together.

Song of Blood & Stone certainly did not disappoint! It did get off to a rough start, but soon enough, I was completely invested in the story and couldn't get to the end fast enough! I loved how the author handled Jasminda not really fitting in to either culture. She's not enough for one, but too much for the other, and simply doesn't fit. There is a happy ending, but the war is not over and I can't wait for more!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 20 March, 2015: Finished reading
  • 20 March, 2015: Reviewed