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A Song of Wraiths and Ruin

By: Roseanne A. Brown
Narrated by: Jordan Cobb, A. J Beckles
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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
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What listeners say about A Song of Wraiths and Ruin

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Great story marred somewhat by a US accent

In looking for stories featuring diverse characters NOT being oppressed or abused by white populations, this was a welcome find. The writing is rich enough to be studied and the content appropriate for middle teens.
As I wanted a book to share with my kids and students showing non-white heroes, it was disappointing to hear the American accent. If I compare it to the narration of Children of Blood and Bone, the story is better but I really thought the narration with the African accent helped me visualise the characters more effectively. Weirdly, with this book, I often found myself imagining white characters and had to consciously remind myself this is supposed to be set in West Africa (or at least that's where the intertwining mythologies come from).
I found the characters convincing, unlike CoB&B, and the avoidance of 'instalove' made the romance more complex and believable.
This is a book I will definitely add to my classroom library and encourage others to explore. I'm really looking forward to the next installation.

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5 people found this helpful

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Loved it!

Loved this book! The narrators were wonderful and engaging, and the story was intriguing and heartbreaking and aaaaaa. Very much looking forward to the second book and finding out where the characters go from here.

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  • Overall
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Brilliant story

This story keeps you wanting to see what happens next. The characters are well developed and you feel a connection with them. The two people performing the book help to bring those characters alive. I can’t wait for the next one.

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1 person found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Enjoyed it

My first foray into YA fantasy and I have to admitI quite enjoyed it, looking forward to the next one.

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Told Well, More Suspense Needed.

It took a few chapters to get into this. Although this book was a good story, I would like to set more twists & turns in these books. It was very predictable.

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  • Overall
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Utterly brilliant

This is a brilliant story which is paced well and I love the voice of the reader.

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Wonderfully created world

I loved this book so much, I wasn't sure when it started and it was about children and I thought oh it's YA however as soon as I continued listening the tale weaved around me and wow. The world she has created is both beautiful and treacherous and I really enjoyed it. Yes it's young people but it discussed some quite adult themes and certainly isn't childish. It's very well written and I loved it. It's not standalone like I thought it was however this part of the story does come to a completion.

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