A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown

Each one, even amongst the secondary characters, is well rounded with strengths and flaws that are slowly revealed throughout, even up to the end. The magical aspect of it all was confusing but it’s also new to the characters, so I’m confident it’ll be explained in the sequel. The Kennouan empire is clearly inspired by the Egyptian pharaohs while being far darker than how it’s usually seen within YA fantasy.

Then, she introduces further West African elements before blending those with North African history and mythology. Brown opens up the book with a griot beckoning the people to hear a story. Brown is set in a world where magic has been forgotten, however the world itself is steeped in mythology and tradition. The sequence of events leading up to it suddenly added a lot of new elements that were hard to fit into the story so close to the end.Ī Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. The only issue I had was that it became hard to keep up with all the subplots, mythology and history as the climax approached. I can’t wait to see where this villain goes. Brown’s writing kept me engaged the entire time and the final reveal blew me away.

The plot is intricate, with new aspects being added constantly and a fast pace to match. Brown started out strong and maintained that momentum throughout. But as attraction flares between them and ancient evils stir, will they be able to see their tasks to the death?Ī Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. When Malik rigs his way into the contest, they are set on a course to destroy each other. And she knows just how to obtain one: by offering her hand in marriage to the victor of the Solstasia competition. Grief-stricken, Karina decides to resurrect her mother through ancient magic. Her mother, the Sultana, has been assassinated her court threatens mutiny and Solstasia looms like a knife over her neck. But when a vengeful spirit abducts Malik’s younger sister, Nadia, as payment into the city, Malik strikes a fatal deal-kill Karina, Crown Princess of Ziran, for Nadia’s freedom.īut Karina has deadly aspirations of her own. The first in an 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.įor 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. Brown breathes life into a story of magic and tragic loss in her debut novel A Song of Wraiths and Ruin.

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown