A Song of Wraiths and Ruin

By: Roseanne A. Brown

Narrated by: Jordan Cobb, A. J Beckles

Length: 12 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

An instant New York Times Best Seller!

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 best seller 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!

©2020 Roseanne A. Brown (P)2020 HarperAudio

Great fantasy with high stakes

This book was really rich in wolrdbuilding and the tension from the high stakes were great! Princess Karina and Mailk were both lovable characters in different ways, and I found myself rooting for both of them. I absolutely loved the world the author created. I also loved the Black/African representation throughout. Karina wore a swim cap & was described as thick and soft. Little things like that were great. Some parts did drag a little but I enjoyed this overall. 5 stars 

This was a fun read

I really enjoyed it! Yes the storyline was west African but I loved the performance of both characters. Excited to read the second book!

Distinguishes itself

this book manages to take a very unique approach to classic love stories. the way that the stories parallel and oppose each other creates a unique pool of dramatic tension. that proverbial tug of war of wanting both characters to win really helps to move minor characters plots forward.

loved it

loved it. the voices were perfect and made the story come to life while listening

fun story

can't wait for the sequel! this was a great story. great imagery in the story telling.

waiting

this book was, for me, highly enjoyable. I loved the narration and the story. i am impatiently waiting for the next book in the series.

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin

Excellent!!! I was captured almost from the beginning!! Can't wait for sequel!! Narration was superb, very calming, excellent voice changes between characters and narrators!

Excellent!

Such a wonderfully written story. I loved the characters and felt a complete resemblance to Karina. This book is definitely something I will reread over and over. Amazing book!

if I had known the sequel isnt out til November...

... I would have waited to start this book BECAUSE IT WAS SO FRICKING GOOD AND I DONT KNOW WHAT IM GOING TO DO UNTIL I CAN READ THE NEXT PART NOVEMBER IS SO FAR AWAY 😭

Great story, beautiful performance!

This book was absolutely lovely! Especially 3 dimensional characters for a YA fantasy, world building that draws you in, and a story with twists and turns you always feel like you should have expected (the best kind). No fantasy world holds up to infinite scrutiny, but this is the kind that makes you feel like you don’t have to poke at it. In short, it’s beautifully crafted.

The performance is well suited to the story, with two different narrators (one for each limited omniscient viewpoint). The narrators carry the story well, and stay understated enough to leave room for the listener’s thoughts and interpretations. There are some distinctive voices, but none that feel out of place and no drastic tonal shifts that take the listener out of the story. They both were fantastic.