Cover Image: A Song of Salvation

A Song of Salvation

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Member Reviews

I genuinely wish that Alechia Dow's sci-fi books could be our generation's Star Wars. They are so incredibly full of heart and humor, a love for art, and a zest for life. This book was a fantastic way to wrap up the saga of the universe Alechia has created. The protagonists are a delight in the way they interact with each other and the worlds around them, and the appearances of previous books' characters were a welcome surprise. I just wish it could've lasted a little longer; I didn't want to leave this story!

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A fun romp through space with fun references both for fans of Alechia Dow and beloved SF franchises.

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A really liked the premise for this one, with it being a premise that I look for when I am reading YA fantasy. Unfortunately, I will probably end up coming back to this one later, as right now my brain couldn't handle a high stakes fantasy sci-fi situation. Very intrigued for when I do come back to it though!

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Alecia Dow’s “A Song of Salvation” is a young adult fantasy book that will grip you from the very beginning. The book centers around three friends who are tasked with saving their worlds as they know it. Each character is written with the depth and motivations that connects with me as a readers. Throughout the novel each of the characters; Zaria, Wesely, and Rubin develop and change as they are coming of age.

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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book, as this book has already been published, I will not share my review on Netgalley at this time.

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The narrative weaves the destinies of Zaira, Wesley, and Rubin, as cosmic forces bring them together to face the threat of the Ilori. Dow, known for centering queerness and Blackness, portrays a diverse range of asexual identities authentically. The plot, filled with action and melodrama, maintains a well-balanced pace. Despite a touch of instalove and a desire for more character development, the book delivers a thrilling ride with intersecting storylines from the previous novels.

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Things don't always work out as planned, especially when a reincarnated god and grumpy driver have to work together to save the Universe. While things might not always go as planned, sometimes what happens in stead is better. "A Song of Salvation" illustrates that point when Zairu must travel back to Earth, unlock her powers, and save the Universe.
This story was delightful and empowering to read. If you are a fan of science-fiction and the grumpy/sunshine dynamic, then you will love this book.

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Beautiful cover, and a beautiful book. The story was so unique, while also feeling like teenagers you could meet today. This book definitely falls under the type of sci-fi that feels like fantasy umbrella, but no complaint from me because I enjoy both! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

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Charming and grounded characters handle racial/social and familial pain that will be familiar to many readers, set against a wild sci-fi adventure perfect for fans of the Crownchasers duology.

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Book Summary:

Zaira Citali was born to die. Her sacrifice is meant to be in Ozvios's honor, but Zaira has trouble seeing it that way, so she promptly escapes. On her way to freedom, Zaira ran into Wesley – the boy prophesied to help defeat Ozvios.

Admittedly, this isn't a task that Wesley asked for. But then again, what child of prophecy ever had the chance to sign off on it? But together, he and Zaira are about to change the universe, hopefully for the better.

My Review:

Oh yes! I adore space operas. (Seriously, I can't get enough, so send me your recommendations!) Naturally, that meant I dove to read A Song of Salvation. While it is a solid science fiction novel, it does have fantasy and young adult elements, making it a unique blend of the three.

I should probably mention that while A Song of Salvation is billed as a standalone, it is technically the conclusion to one of Alechia Dow's trilogies. I didn't know that until after, so I deeply regret reading this out of order. You can still appreciate the book for what it is (I did), but I feel like you'll miss out on the opportunity to read the series as it was written.

What I loved the most about A Song of Salvation is Alechia Dow's take. I love her writing style and how she chose to see the world (universe?). Her story has found family, action and adventure, reincarnation elements, and a romantic subplot. In other words, it has something for everyone.

Highlights:
Space Opera
LGBT
Reincarnation

Thanks to Inkyard Press and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Alechia Dow DID NOT DISAPPOINT. Blown away, as per usual, by her writing style, characters, and plot. I loved the tie backs to both the Sound of Stars and the Kindred. Perfection. Also, gay grumpy-sunshine? I'm in. Then again, I'm always down for grumpy-sunshine so the gay part was icing on a very delicious cake. How does she make her aliens so human and relatable yet so... alien for lack of better terminology in my brain space.

I cannot wait for her next novel.

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I have enjoyed the other Alechia Dow books I've read and this one is no different. I love the youthful take on sci-fit you find in her books, I mean it has it all, found family, insta-love, magic and adventure. I enjoyed this one as mush as I enjoyed the other books in this universe. (plus we get some cameos)
Not only to we get a interested sci-fi ya with Zaira who had the power of a god and Wesley a smuggler, but er have fat rep, black rep, lgbtq rep.
She is an instant buy for me. I look forward to the day my daughter will read these because this is definitely the rep that was not there for me when I was in high school.

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I absolutely loved The Sound of Stars so I was wicked excited to read A Song of Salvation. Once again, Alechia Dow did not disappoint. She has a way of creating beautiful and awe inspiring sci-fi stories and worlds while touching on serious topics. I honestly have loved both books that I’ve read from Alechia Dow and am looking forward to reading more!

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"A Song of Salvation" was a lovely science fiction story about finding your own self and acceptance of others. When the fate of the universe is at stake, Zaira teams up with Wesley to save their world. The story is told through multiple points of view and through podcast transcripts. Each format added dimensions to the story that kept me wanting to read and find out if this team of unlikely friends would be successful. While reading, I was brought on a rollercoaster of emotions, rooting for the team the whole way! Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own!

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Thank you to Inkyard Press & Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Bless Alechia for this book and wrapping up the open plot lines from both The Sound of Stars and The Kindred! Truly magnificent!

This is also going to be me screaming about all three of these books because they are all entwined with each other. While they aren’t sold as a series, I would vehemently argue that they are and you will get the most from reading these in publication order of The Sound of Stars, The Kindred and finishing with A Song of Salvation.

Ever since The Sound of Stars came out, I have been waiting for more about Ellie and M0rr1s. The Kindred tided me over, but y’all A Song of Salvation came in to sweep me off my feet. I loved this book so much. I loved getting to see how Ellie’s story ends and learning Zaira’s story. Zaira was an amazing MC. I loved seeing her come to understand her power and how to use it. This story also has a bit of revenge and a lot of empowerment specifically for Zaira’s arc and I ate it up!

All of these books take you on a journey, and I would argue A Song of Salvation is the best of them. Truly none of these stories missed, but the way everything feels heightened in Salvation took my breath away! When I heard Fae Crate was making a special edition of A Song of Salvation, I jumped on it so fast. I needed this edition and then I saw the stunning cover! If y’all make dust jackets of the other two, you know where to find me 👀.

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While this was a faced paced story, I felt as if it was information overload and there wasn’t enough character development. It was nice to see other characters from the first two books. While this is touted as a “series” I feel as if others wouldn’t truly understand what was happening in the story without having read the first two. It’s a different concept, how song can save the universe. If you are a sci-fi reader this one’s for you.

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I was so excited to read this young adult science fiction title with both queer and POC representation!

This story was told from the POV of the three main characters - Zaira Citalali, the God Indigo reborn; Wesley Daniels, a smuggler; and Rubin Rima, a celebrity podcaster.

The three -initially strangers, but thrown together through twists of fate - become an unlikely family, and find themselves caught in the midst of an intergalactic war. Zaira must defeat her nemesis - the God, Ozvios - and the three must overthrow the universe's oppressors, the Ilori. Will Zaira manage to awaken the God powers within her, and will Wesley overcome his generational trauma and the shadow of his successful family? Will Rubin Rima manage to harness his celebrity for the greater good? Read this fantastic novel to find out!

This was a quick-paced, fun, and exciting space drama! I'd love to add this to the young adult section of our library.

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Two other books by this author are also set in the same world as A Song of Salvation. I’ve read only one of them but didn’t feel like I really missed anything. They can be read as standalones.

Her whole life, Zaira knew she was the reincarnation of a god and would be sacrified. She’s accepted her fate. Until she’s given an opportunity to escape. Her mission is to find Wesley, who’s prophesized to help her defeat the god of destruction. Wesley thinks he’s the last person who could help Zaira. At the age of seven, his mother told him he was a disappointment, would never amount to anything, and sent him away. I just wanted to hug him. When he accepts a job to transport Ruben, a celebrity podcaster, to Earth, Wesley begins to believe he may deserve more in life. Their romance is adorable. Found family is my favorite trope, so I was thrilled when the three of them develop a familial bond. Considering the fate of the universe is riding on their shoulders, stakes are incredibly high, and their battle is filled with dangerous obstacles.

Dow does an excellent job at balancing the serious topics of trauma and colonization with witty dialogue and humor. The chapters with excerpts of Rubin’s podcast are hilarious, and I’d totally listen to it if he was a real person. If you enjoy epic space adventures, found family, and unlikely heroes, you’ll find it with A Song of Salvation.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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A good YA sci-fi playing with traditional tropes like the chosen and keeping you turning pages and having fun.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

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This was a fun Sci-Fi adventure that gave me the feels of Star Wars meets Guardians of the Galaxy! Zaira is such a lovable and relatable main character - We love a girl boss, but even better when they're a reincarnated god. Wesley was her perfect counterbalance with his grumpiness and added just the right sparkle of humor. A great, easy read that you'll want to get to the end of.

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