Review: Song of Blood & Stone by L. Penelope

Title: Song of Blood & Stone
Author: L. Penelope
Series: Earthsinger Chronicles #1
Genre: Fantasy/Magic/Romance
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: May 1st, 2018
Edition: Kindle Edition, 384 pages
Source: NetGalley
Purchase/Pre-Order: Amazon US | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Synopsis:

     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 Lagrimar 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 its people from the True Father and he needs Jasminda's Earthsong to do it. They escape their vicious captors and together 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:

So, I actually read this book three years ago when it was first released, I wrote a review for it, but not only was it not a very good review. It seems like this is a slightly different book than the first time it was released. I had been waiting for the sequel during that time because I really enjoy the book and wanted to continue the series. But it never came, and then I when I saw that this book was being re-released I wanted to check it out again, I don't have the other copy anymore so I can't find out if or what the changes made are. I plan on deleting that old review as it doesn't as it doesn't really talk about the book much at all. Anyway, on to the actual review.

This book is so well written, the characters, the setting, the magic. I love everything. 

   The setting, like in terms of fashion, was a little difficult to picture. Not a lot of detail was given for the types of dresses worn, or style of pants, but I assume it was possibly a Victorian era, maybe Edwardian era. They had things like motor vehicles, radios, and airships. I was picturing something like a zeppelin. So it was a little steampunk in that regard. 

   The characters were amazing, Jack and Jasminda are both wonderful characters, and all the supporting characters were also great. None of them really fell flat in any way for me. The romance between Jack and Jasminda was honestly one of the best parts of this book, it had a purity to it, and was just sweet, and based on trust and respect. The respect he has for her is not something often found in books.

   The magic, while interesting and I love it, could use some clarifying. It's referred to as a Song, but I don't know what that means because there are times when people are using discreetly which makes me believe that it's not singing, but yeah I would like some clarifying.  Still love it, even if I don't fully understand it.

The back story of the main plot was woven in beautifully. Told in small batches of folktales at the start of each chapter, and in flashbacks through a magic stone. Sounds weird, but it worked. I was able to piece together who the True Father and the Queen who Sleeps were before their big reveal at the end of the book. It was done on purpose, not in an annoying predictable way. At least not annoying in my opinion.

I am even more excited to read the sequel now than I was before. This is a pretty fantastic book.