L. Penelope

L. Penelope's Song of Blood & Stone is a treacherous, thrilling, epic fantasy about an outcast drawn into a war between two powerful rulers. 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 mobilizing, 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.

Earthsinger Chronicles, Book One

Song of Blood & Stone

Orphaned and alone, Jasminda lives in a land where cold whispers of invasion and war linger on the wind. Jasminda herself is an outcast in her homeland of Elsira, where her gift of Earthsong is feared. When ruthless soldiers seek refuge in her isolated cabin, they bring with them a captive - an injured spy who threatens to steal her heart. Jack's mission behind enemy lines to prove that the Mantle between Elsira and Lagamiri is about to fall nearly cost him his life, but he is saved by the healing Song of a mysterious young woman. Now he must do whatever it takes to save Elsira and it's people from the True Father and he needs Jasminda's Earthsong to do it. They escape their ruthless captors and together they embark on a perilous journey to save Elsira and to uncover the secrets of The Queen Who Sleeps. Thrust into a hostile society, Jasminda and Jack must rely on one another even as secrets jeopardize their bond. As an ancient evil gains power, Jasminda races to unlock a mystery that promises salvation. The fates of two nations hang in the balance as Jasminda and Jack must choose between love and duty to fulfil their destinies and end the war.

Gillian Rose

Unfortunately, this book just never connected for me. I couldn't understand the world which skewed more urban fantasy at times, and other times like a normal fantasy. I found the magic system cool in one instance and then never really understood it the rest of the time. The romance between Jasminda and Jack was sweet, but again, connecting to the characters was difficult for me. It's definitely not a badly written book, but it never came together for me and I hate that!

Lauren Sullivan

Trigger warnings: (view spoiler)[attempted rape, suicidal ideation (brief throwaway), human sacrifice (from POV of victim), gun violence (people being shot), racism, homophobia, incredibly nasty treatment of refugees (hide spoiler)]

OK, first, can we just take a moment and squee over that gorgeous cover? I first read this book back when it came out with a traditional big publisher in 2018 and liked it, and I’m rereading the series in preparation for the third book. It’s interesting to revisit this book, especially knowing more than I did then. Besides the plot twists, the way the Elsirans treat the Lagrimari refugees especially hit a lot harder in 2020 than it did back in 2018. There’s apparently a new version out with expanded scenes, but I don’t have that one so can’t comment on the content.

“Most folks hate easy and love hard. Should be the other way around, I reckon.”

Jasminda is the daughter of a Lagrimari refugee and an Elsiran woman, she’s had a rough time, especially since her mother died and her father and twin brothers disappeared during a snowstorm. She runs the family goat farm in a remote valley by herself and tries to avoid the nearby village of prejudiced Elsirans. Though she lives near the border, speaks the language, and has inherited a little of her father’s magic, called Earthsong, she knows very little about the reclusive country ruled by a cruel dictator, the True Father. All this changes when she encounters a wounded Elsiran soldier on her mountain shortly before a storm, and her peaceful farm is invaded by the Lagrimari soldiers who’ve captured him. Jasminda must make the choice between keeping her family’s legacy safe or – just possibly – saving the country from another invasion…

“I am sorry I didn’t tell you,” he said, voice pitched low. “I wanted to. I should have. It’s inexcusable, I just . . .”
She longed to hear an excuse that would satisfy her and return things to the way they were. No words came.”

I liked Jasminda from the start. I especially liked how she wanted to solve her problems herself rather than rely on anyone else to help her. Jack, I think, was a little more one-dimensional, and I spent a good chunk of the book being annoyed at him for keeping his “secret” – look, anyone who’s read a freaking YA fantasy knows exactly what that secret is from the first time he appears on page – from Jasminda for so long. He honestly had no good reason for it, and the way it came out was extremely public and hurtful for her. While it’s solidly new adult (Jasminda is 19), there is a young adult feel to the book. There’s a lot of all-or-nothing characterization. Almost everyone in Elsira despises the Lagrimari. Almost everyone on Jack’s council is anti-Lagrimari and pretty much anti-Jack. The plot’s predictable, the romance is insta-love with a fairy tale quality, but there’s still something about it that drew me in.

“Hidden corridors, cloaks, and face paint. Late-night rendezvous and secret trysts. Was there no one who would bring their acquaintance with her out into the light of day?”

What intrigued me the most about the book was its focus on secrets. Jasminda’s relationship with Jack has to be kept secret for various political reasons. Even her relationship with her aunt, a Sister who works with the refugees, has to be hidden from her grandmother. She’s judged constantly based on the color of her skin and nothing else. And while on the surface it seems like Jack gets the better half of the deal, he feels smothered by the weight of the crown and the decisions that he has to make in order to keep Elsira safe, decisions that go against his own moral code. Everything that makes him Jack – the things he was sent away as a child to the army barracks to learn – need to be shut away so that he can now be the Prince Regent. There’s also secrets in relation to the Queen Who Sleeps, the somewhat mythical queen who’s worshipped by Elsirans as practically a goddess who will return when the True Father is defeated. There’s scant details about, well, anything about her, something that Jasminda discovers when the Lagrimari Keepers – rebels who use their Earthsong to fight against the True Father – give her the caldera, a stone that holds some of the Queen Who Sleeps’ memories that are apparently only accessible to Jasminda. Everything Jasminda knows about Queen Oola comes from those particular memories, though the Queen Who Sleeps also occasionally appears in dreams to her believers. The epilogue does cast these events in a new (and sinister) light.

Overall, while I wouldn’t call this groundbreaking, the world building and characters were perfectly satisfying for the start of a new series.

I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Laura Kehoe

I was so excited when I had the opportunity to read this book. It looked like the kind of story I would be all over. And this was a good book. The concept is really interesting, the world building was awesome, the writing was beautiful...but I just couldn't get into it. 

The story just seemed to move a bit slow for me. I mean, plenty happened, but it just didn't feel like things were moving very fast. I enjoyed all of the background information and learning about the characters, but I would have liked to be sucked in by the plot a little more. 

I feel like I should also add that this book is really heavy on romance, and I'll admit that I'm really picky when it comes to romance. While the love interests had great chemistry, I wasn't quite as interested in their relationship as I was in what else was happening in the book. But maybe that was just me.

Despite my issues, I still had a fun time reading this book! Like I said, the writing is absolutely stunning. And I loved the world building so much. This world really did feel like a real place that I could just step into. So, I would probably recommend this book to those who love fantasy romances. I think it's definitely worth a read!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Jayarna La Bozzetta

DNF @ 25% this one is just not for me. Theres a lot description that really is giving me nothing. I feel like I do not know these characters at all.

Paige Green

Disclaimer: I bought this book on my own! Support your authors!

Author: L. Penelope

Book Series: Earthsinger Chronicles Book 1

Rating: 3/5

Publication Date: May 1, 2018

Recommended Age: 16+ (some violence, some gore, romance, duty, and love)

Genre: YA Fantasy

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Synopsis: A treacherous, thrilling, epic fantasy about an outcast drawn into a war between two powerful rulers.

Orphaned and alone, Jasminda lives in a land where cold whispers of invasion and war linger on the wind. Jasminda herself is an outcast in her homeland of Elsira, where her gift of Earthsong is feared. When ruthless soldiers seek refuge in her isolated cabin, they bring with them a captive--an injured spy who threatens to steal her heart.

Jack's mission behind enemy lines to prove that the Mantle between Elsira and Lagamiri is about to fall nearly cost him his life, but he is saved by the healing Song of a mysterious young woman. Now he must do whatever it takes to save Elsira and it's people from the True Father and he needs Jasminda's Earthsong to do it. They escape their ruthless captors and together they embark on a perilous journey to save Elsira and to uncover the secrets of The Queen Who Sleeps.

Thrust into a hostile society, Jasminda and Jack must rely on one another even as secrets jeopardize their bond. As an ancient evil gains power, Jasminda races to unlock a mystery that promises salvation.

The fates of two nations hang in the balance as Jasminda and Jack must choose between love and duty to fulfill their destinies and end the war.

Review: I thought this book was pretty good. The beginning just grabbed my attention immediately and it held me for most of the book. The writing is gorgeous and the world building is fantastic.

However, this was more romance heavy than what I wanted it to be and the love story was too Taylor Swift song perfect and the plot felt like it didn't go anywhere after awhile.

Verdict: For the most part I felt this was a good book and definitely worth the read if you're into books like Kiss of Deception.

Leelynn Brady

Full review on my blog  Sometimes Leelynn Reads 

I thought this story was really enjoyable. It may have taken me a while to get through it but that’s just because every time I was finally settled to read some of it, my sleep medication kicked in. Like excuse you, meds! I’m trying to read here! I personally loved the dynamics between Jasminda and Jack. It starts off really intense since they both end up trying to save one another from danger. From strangers to allies to potential friends to…. you know?

b.andherbooks

A young-ish (twenty something maybe) woman with the ability to tap into a magical power just wants to keep her land and her house, but is drawn into a war when she rescues a young spy who is more than he appears to be.

Jasminda, who's father came from Lagamiri and who's mother came from Elsira, the two countries separated by a magical force that may be breached by an evil force, does not fit in anywhere. Her skin color and magical powers make her a "grol," a derogatory term for full-blooded Lagamiri, but her Elsiran blood make her also not fit in with the Lagamiri refuges trying to escape their evil over-lord. Her mother's family is trying to cut off all ties and her father and the rest of her family is dead. All Jasminda has left is her farm, but has suddenly and suspiciously been given a high tax she can only pay if she signs papers to cede all rights to her mother's name and family. Hmmmm...

Plus, her home has been invaded by a troop of soldiers who have captured a spy. A very good looking young man spy. A spy who Jasminda is drawn to help. A spy who may be oh so much more.

The book had me up until the point we found out who Jack was. Then the book took a decidedly different tone and turned into more of a romance novel, which I'm fine with, but also felt like a bit of a different read. Everything from that point felt rushed and a bit unexplained, and I wanted so much more explanation.

A different reviewer said this is supposed to be set in an "alternate 1920s" period, which I guess I understand now that I've seen it, as there are phones, "air ships," guns, and other powered, modern items, but it also didn't really feel that way while reading it. 

What really worked for me was the discussion of race and racism in this fictional universe. That made it feel really like the 1920s, or at least post-American Civil War, just with different names for the North and South. 

The romance was pretty swoony at times, but also infuriating. Since the characters were a bit older than teenagers, they felt a bit 'too old' to be acting some of the ways they did, but also not old enough to be acting other ways, if that makes sense? This feels more like a "New Adult" book which may be confused for YA, kind of like Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses series. (FYI there is described sex on the page a few times which I liked, but others who look at the cover and think YA may not).

I read an interview given by L. Penelope and I will definitely be reading her next work. I think this one, adapted from a previously self-published work, has great bones so I think with time and maturity her writing will only improve!

An intriguing start to what looks like a series, per the Goodreads description (but based on the reading I'd say this can also stand-alone). The world building was okay, I just wanted more.

Jolie

I like fantasy. I like New Adult/Young Adult fantasy. I like romance. Why is it so hard to find a book that can focus on all three of those genres equally? I have had issues with books that combine the three genres together. I can’t find a book that competently blends all 3 of those genres. Don’t get me wrong, Song of Blood & Stone does a great job at attempting to combine them. But it didn’t click for me.

I thought that Song of Blood & Stone got off to a fantastic start. The author set the tone for the entire book perfectly. But, by the middle of the book, when Jasminda was in Elsira’s capital, the book started to falter. By the end of the book, I wasn’t engaged with the characters anymore and the storyline annoyed me. I am hoping that the second book will draw me back in because this book had so much potential.

I thought that Jasminda got the raw end of the deal. She was hated by the village because of her Earthsong. Her maternal grandfather wanted her to disown her family if she wanted help. To top it off, she ends up getting put in the middle of a looming war. A war that Jack tried to stop but didn’t succeed. Hatred of her other heritage, the Lagamiri ran deep in Elsira. Even in the castle, Jasminda wasn’t exempt from the hatred of the Elsiran people. I felt awful for her. It was a wonder that she didn’t crack sooner.

Jack got under my skin. I did think he was going to be a temporary character, at first. So when the twist in his storyline came, I was not ready for it. The author did a great job of portraying him as a tortured man. He was torn between the love of his country and the love for a woman that was half of the enemy. I couldn’t even begin to imagine the stress he was under. But, saying that, I found his actions later in the book awful. He did not stand up for Jasminda. He wanted to hide what they had. He did what he thought was right at the time (even though I thought it was wrong, wrong, wrong). Not going to say what it was but if I was Jasminda, I would have told him to take a hike or punched him in the face. Probably both.

The storyline of the Earthbenders of old was fascinating. This is one part of the book that I correctly guessed at what was going to happen who those people ended up being. It was still a surprise when it came out at the end of the book.

The storyline of the refugees touched my heart. I did liken it in ways to the waves of people coming out of Syria. People displaced because of who they are. They can’t go back because they will be put in harm’s way or killed. And they can’t stay where they are because people don’t understand and fear them.

There was chemistry between Jack and Jasminda. From the minute they met each other, sparks flew. The author kept those sparks keep fanning until they did the deed. Then I felt that the relationship went flat. But, considering what was going on at the time, I now wonder if that was the author’s plan. If it was, it was ingenious of her to do that.

What I didn’t like was that there were a couple of dropped storylines. The one that sticks out in my mind was the man who gave Jack the cornerstone that he thought was a map. It was speculated who he was. Then the storyline was dropped. Also, the mystery woman who the guard was talking to in Jasminda’s cottage. She was mentioned once in the book and then that was it.

The end of Song of Blood & Stone felt a bit anticlimactic. I kept waiting to see if there was anything more to Jack and Jasminda’s storyline once the Queen said what she said. I did like the small twist at the end considering how the True Father and The Queen Who Sleeps looked like. I laughed at that because those bigoted, ignorant people were fools. It was the end of the book that made me want to read the second book. I need to see where this story is going. And I am hoping that it will be better than this book.

What I liked about Song of Blood & Stone:

A) Great world building

B) Interesting storyline in the beginning

C) 3D characters

What I disliked about Song of Blood & Stone:

A) Storyline faltered towards the middle of the book

B) Jack’s treatment of Jasminda towards the end of the book

C) Dropped storylines

I would give Song of Blood & Stone a rating of Older Teen. There is violence. There are sexual situations and sex. The sex is not graphic and actually seemed rushed through. No language. I would recommend that no one under the age of 16 read this book.

There are trigger warnings in Song of Blood & Stone. They are: extreme racial prejudice and talk of rape.

I am on the fence about recommending Song of Blood & Stone to family and friends. If I did, I would include a warning of the triggers. While I would not reread this book, I am open to reading other books by the author.

I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Song of Blood & Stone.

All opinions stated in this review of Song of Blood & Stone are mine.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Ashlee

4.25 stars! View review on my blog, Library in the Country

I received this copy from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"The blue of the day's sky and the black of the night's are different, but one is not better than the other. We need both."

I was pleasantly surprised by this one, I found the story to be so satisfying. It ended up being exactly what I needed to read! If you're looking for a fantasy novel that pushes the boundaries of young adult into new adult without being overly explicit, this is the book for you. And that cover!? Look at how beautiful that cover is!

This story follows two main characters, Jasminda and Jack. Jasminda, half Elsiran and half Lagrimari is an Earthsinger. All she desires is to live a life of peace, away from others on her homestead in the wilderness. Jack is an Elsiran soldier, disguised as the enemy, desperate and in seek of a way to end the centuries old war between Elsira and Lagrimar. Chance will bring them together, but it seems as though destiny keeps them there.

The first third of this book was somewhat slow. I was a little unsure of what I was getting into and had a lot of questions. I liked the story and found it interesting, but it really didn't reach out and grab me. However, after that first third, the ball really gets rolling. The setting, pace and feel of the story changes tremendously and I read nonstop until I finished it, I couldn't put it down!

The world created in this story is rich and vast, I hope we get the opportunity to learn more about the lands beyond Elsira and Lagrimar in future installments. Additionally, one of my favorite parts was the "Collected Folktales" included at the beginning of each chapter. They were very reminiscent of Aesop's Fables and were so unique, clever and even charming. I looked forward to reading them as each chapter ended and another began.

The story itself includes many elements I absolutely adore and I was very proud of the characters regarding most of the choices they made. Each of them stuck to their convictions and never followed paths that I felt were out of character. Jasminda and Jack are both very admirable in their actions, despite a few moments I was irritated with them for avoiding what was staring them straight in the face, but hey - that's what makes books interesting! I *really* wish I could give you more about the story and my thoughts on it but I would be spoiling a major reveal by voicing half of what I want to say and it's just not fair to do that!

So I'll just include a few elements I loved: traveling, courtly intrigue, mysterious histories, forbidden romance, and more!

Also, WE NEED MORE POC fantasy and sci-fi main characters written by POC authors!

Jessica 

Blog | Twitter | Instagram

(3.5-3.8 stars) As a note, a copy of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way. Review also found here at Booked J. 

Finally, something GOOD! I feel like I've been in THE BIGGEST slump when it comes to YA fantasy books. I mean it: the biggest. Which is a bit unsettling, considering there's so many books out there--far too many to feel like there's a drought in the genre. But, there I was feeling like I'd forever be underwhelmed with the genre. And along came Song of Blood & Stone--which packed a seriously magical punch!

I was a little confused on it being sorted into the YA genre if I'm being honest. Much like the general confusion I felt over Sarah J. Maas' A Court of Thorns and Roses. There are many scenes in Song of Blood & Stone that feel a bit more graphic than most YA* scenes do. While I don't at all mind it, it does seem to fit a bit less and makes me wonder if it was original meant for an older audience. So, that is something you should note. If that's not your cup of tea, there will be some scenes you'll want to skim over.

Now, before I get into the good about Song of Blood & Stone, I want to address the negatives. The negatives calculated into that .5 drop on what would have been a 4+ star review (ugh, I know, I suck): I felt like it didn't live up to its full potential in terms of fantasy. Don't get me wrong, it was still full of thrills and a certain essence of magic and fun. Just not as much as I'd hoped. I went into this book expecting one thing, but was surprised to find it took a more vocal approach unto the romance.

I'm not ragging on it, of course. The story was still wonderful.

As for the pluses. Oh, there were SO MANY. I wish I could have looked past certain parts I wasn't keen on, because the rating could have likely reached 4.5/5 stars. But, a 3.5 is far from bad, so don't hate me! I'd still recommend this book in a heartbeat because it was so fun.

Song of Blood & Stone's biggest strong suit lay with its characters; their character development and backstories, and the magnificent tone in which the series' world-building takes. Nothing is left in the dust when it comes to being developed, and continuing to develop throughout the course of book one. While so many fantasy series can take on archetypes that are overdone and underdeveloped, and take the "tell not show" approach, Penelope makes certain that nothing is left in the dark.

(Plus, there are a lot of elements to this world that tie into ours. And there is a moment that will be triggering re: sexual assault.) 

She's taken great care in crafting a world that is enthralling to her readers and will leave a mark on them for good. This is essentially the perfect (!!!) first installment in a new series and shows off Penelope's writing chops--I have a feeling we're going to be hearing nothing short of praise for the series as it expands and I'm so intensely excited to read the second installment ASAP.

If you are looking for a good read that is action packed, romantic, compelling and full of diversity that is desperately needed in literature, Song of Blood & Stone is for you. This book has been out for a while and I'm honestly surprised it hasn't received more praise than it is--it's brilliant and will keep readers glued to their seat.

**I'm curious if I mislabeled this or someone else has because it kind of feels like YA and kind of doesn't.

Becky

Kaddi 

Jess A

Between love and duty lies destiny Orphaned and alone, Jasminda is an outcast in her homeland of Elsira, where she is feared for both the shade of her skin and her magical abilities. When ruthless soldiers seek refuge in her isolated cabin, they bring with them a captive - an injured spy who steals her heart. Jack's mission behind enemy lines nearly cost him his life but he is saved by the healing power of a mysterious young woman. Together they embark on a perilous journey straight into the heart of a centuries-old conflict. Thrust into a hostile society, Jasminda and Jack must rely on one another even as secrets jeopardize their bond. As an ancient evil gains power, Jasminda races to unlock a mystery that promises salvation. The fates of two nations hang in the balance as Jasminda and Jack must choose between love and duty to fulfill their destinies and end the war.

Song of Blood & Stone Earthsinger Chronicles, Book One

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