I want to start off this review by saying there are some trigger warning for abuse, attempted rape, and racism. One positive note about those subjects was that the author always showed the characters trying to overcome those dark moments, which brought some hope into those scenes. The author really focused on finding happiness no matter your skin color, size, where you were born, or how strong you are. It was empowering to see the characters try to overcome these issues and prove that everyone deserves to be treated the same and get their own happily ever after.

The beginning of this book was a little hard to get into because I couldn't quite understand what was happening. The book starts off diving right into this world, so it was a bit difficult for me to understand this new world that was presented. However, as the book went on, the author started to gradually introduce other elements of the world, which made it much easy to understand. By the end of this book, I found this new world to be vivid and imaginative. I am excited for book two, just because I am hoping there will be even more world building!

The plot of this book was fast-paced and held my interest the entire time. There was always something interesting going on and the characters were constantly faced with obstacles they needed to overcome. There never seemed to be a super slow moment in the story.

Throughout the book, there was strong sexual tension between the two main characters, which I was LIVING for. I definitely felt the physical and emotional chemistry between Jasminda and Jack! I thought they were a wonderful couple. Their romance was sweet, passionate, and full of swoons. However, there were times when it seemed like their romance took over the plot of the story when I would have preferred the story to continue to focus on the action or world-building. Again, that being said, I still enjoyed their romance as a whole and ended the book shipping them VERY hard.

Overall, this was an exciting and fast-paced novel full of romance, action, and lovable characters. I would recommend picking this book up if you are looking for a new romantic fantasy novel!

3 / 5 Fangs

*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *

First off—While marked as YA (intended for the Young Adult audience, ages 14 to 18), this book holds very explicit, graphic, intimate scenes.

Set in a wonderfully vivid world, this is a story full of fantasy, discrimination, fighting against the odds, and finding oneself.

Jasminda leads a solitary life. Her family has disappeared or is dead, leaving her alone with a lovely small farm in a country she's apart of but will never feel at home in. Not only does her skin color set her apart, but she harbors magical powers and comes from the nation over the mountains—one the people in her one land greatly fear. When she finds an injured man on the roadside who claims he's being hunted by enemy soldiers, she's sure he's delirious. But not only her world, but those of both countries are about to be turned upside down. Her solitary life disappears leaving her at the center of a war and so much more.

I love the world building in this one. The author brings the small town and Jasminda's farm to life, making it easy to soak in the sights and sounds. It's peaceful (at first) and clashes so well will the harsh prejudice Jasminda faces. Within a few pages, the author weaves in Jasminda's problems and gains immediate empathy for the character. Jasminda is a lovely girl, inside and out, and it's hard not to love her from the very first page.

The magic in this book was layered and complex. There's a little bit of background given, which unfolds more and more through Jasminda's visions and the people she meets. Still, I found this aspect a bit confusing at times, especially during the first half of the book. Still, the magic flows well and has a nice natural side, which fits well with Jasminda.

Fast-paced describes most of the read. The secrets and danger mount constantly as Jasminda's world and situation fluctuate constantly. It's hard to guess what will happen next. The evil is delightfully horrible, and the world around Jasminda is so uncertain that it's impossible for anything to settle into the realm of boring. She has so much to face, externally and inwardly. It's hard to put this book down.

The romance is strong and a vital part of the story. Unfortunately, being sold as a YA, it's too strong and, in my opinion, should be classified as a NA (over 18). The intimate scenes are very explicit and parents need to be aware of this. There is also a near rape scene which is also graphic. Other than this, the romance was a bit too quick for my taste and missed the necessary build-up and chemistry before diving into bed.

All in all, this is a nice read. The writing is beautiful, the tension kept high and Jasminda is an amazing character to root for until the end. It's a wonderful beginning to what appears to be a great series.

I received a complimentary copy through Netgally and wanted to leave my honest thoughts.

Song of Blood & Stone is a brilliant alternate history that uses fantasy to mirror the hardships of the divisions between African Americans and the lighter race. The obvious reason why  I like this book is that it represents my skin color, so yeah a little bias review but whatever.  This is a generic story for a ya fantasy (heroine meets hero and together they adventure to fight off the evil), but the main aspect that made it stand out, in my opinion, is the magic. The idea of exerting power through a song is a new and fresh idea which I have yet to come across until now.  The characters were easily relatable which also made it easy to love them. The reason, why I did not give five stars, is because there were holes in the plot. Chunks of unfinished paragraph or thoughts that left me wondering: why? or how? The flow of words and paragraphs is...In other words, the writing is what unsatisfied me but besides that I recommend this book to everyone and anyone.

An interesting blend of a sociopolitical fantasy combined with star-crossed lovers, the first in the Earthsinger Chronicles shows highs and lows of a torn society. I have to admit, I have seen this story for a while and it didn't really appeal to me. When I accidentally accepted the book for review, I dragged my feet to read it. It wasn't just the cover that made me avoid it as I am not much influenced by covers. I can say the cover did nothing for me and probably would have been better without seeing it. I bring this up because the cover stuck out for me and not in a good way. I can't quite figure out why I didn't like it. Regardless, due to a looming deadline, I powered through this story. I have mixed feelings about this story. It tackles on some real world problems with a rosy coloured glasses viewpoint which grated me the wrong way. It also shows some unvarnished truths that I am not sure readers want to see.

I liked Jasminda. She is a woman who is all alone with her immediate family out of the picture. Her grandfather on the other hand is doing everything he can to erase her existence. Because she is nothing more than a repulsive half-breed. Unfortunately for Jasminda, her physical traits makes her an outcast in Elsira where she's born. She also has magic which brings fear in the minds of the Elsirans who have been at war with one of their neighbors for as long as they can remember.

Jasminda as a character is lovely. She is doing the best she can and she is fighting an uphill battle because the truth of it is that any child who has a mixed heritage is discriminated against by not one but both sides. It is a sad truth that I've seen as a child over 35 years ago. One would think in this day and age, with more interbreeding, it would be less, but there are still many pockets which this is not the case. Watching Jasminda be treated with suspicion from those she's grown up with and be treated with hatred by others who resemble her is heartbreaking. Jasminda is the one who carries this story and without her, it would have been painful to read.

Jasminda's good heart is what brings Jack into her life. Let no good deed go unpunished. Yes, that is a little harsh but in some ways, Jack is what throws her life into turmoil. His idealistic ideas without any political understand is his downfall. As a jaded person, watching Jack's actions makes me cringe. His social justice warrior is admirable if naive.

What really killed me in this story is the refugees. This is hot top as refugees streaming into many different countries are not being treated well for various reasons. What is portrayed in this book is a bit of a bleeding heart perspective. What is sad to see is how refugees are being treated by both the countries they are running from and ones they are trying to find sanctuaries. Refugees are pawns. That is what they are and just like pawns, they will be used to make a point and used for sacrifice. Did the refugee strain the finances of their sanctuary country? Yes. Did they try to talk and find ways communicate and integrate with their sanctuary country? No. Instead, they used powers which scared people and they generated more bitter resentment through their anger. Are they at fault? Not 100%. The sanctuary country created a camp filled with military. How is this helping? Soldiers who have been fighting against these people are probably not the best to help them integrate because they only see the refugees as the enemy. The politicians of Elsira are fools. They think sending the refugees back would make the True Father honour a peace treaty. There are so many conflicting emotions conjured by this messed up situation.

Whilst this is going on, the history of how the two countries came to be is slowly revealed. Within the third snippet of Jasminda's dream sequences, I'm already guessing the ending and I feel a terrible foreboding. I'm not surprised by turn of events at the end and I am glad to see the happily ever after does not exactly happen. This is a well thought out story with some very slow parts, some hateful vitriol and sweet unexpected kindness. Recommended for fantasy readers who enjoy turmoil between seemingly different people.

l. penelope's song of blood and stone is an epic fantasy filled with poetry, danger, magic, betrayal and a love so powerful it overcomes every obstacle. when jasminda meets jack she believes he's out of his mind. but when he risks his life to keep her safe, something no one has ever done for her, she returns the favor.

trapped in the middle of a burgeoning war, jack and jasminda escape one set of dangerous circumstances for another. and when the truth of jack's identity is revealed, the feelings that have developed between these two are even more complicated than the differences in the color of their skin and their ability to use magic.

as the politics and danger surrounding them grows, so does the depth of their feelings for each other. and having it all means risking it all. but the reward could mean everything.

there is so much i loved about this book. i love the relationship between jasminda and jack. i love the themes of racism, of identity, of otherness that imbue the story. i love the setting of this fractured world, being healed through connection. most of the fantasy i read is young adult, but i have to say there's something to be said for adult epic fantasy too.

**song of blood and stone will publish on may, 1, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/st. martin's press in exchange for my honest review.

Song of Blood and Stone is Magnificently Beautiful, a Masterpiece.

I loved this book from beginning to the end, I am on pins and needles waiting for the second book in this series.

Song of Blood and Stone is so vivid. I was able to mentally and emotional escape. A great escape of adventure, magic, dreams and love. Welcome to the world of ELSIRA and LAGRIMARI. The Land of the EARTHSINGERS and the SILENT.

I loved the collected folktales many of them made me pause and ponder 🤔. I liked how each collected folktale connected with the chapters. It gave each chapter more depth.

“A boy, having accidentally stepped into a nest of vipers, creed out to the Mistress of Serpents for aid.
Serpent turned the vipers to glass and entreated the boy to leave the nest without breaking the glass. For it is you who have entered their home without invitation, she said. Why should they change their nature in their own home?”
-COLLECTED FOLKTALES

There are many wonderful characters that I enjoyed in this book. JASMINDA always questions herself, but although she is scared on the inside, she always shows bravery on the outside. Watching her, (yes I said watching her, cause I felt as if I was right there in their story) grow into the woman that she was meant to be was AMAZEBALLS.

“The Mistress of Frogs intervened in a feud between two brothers. Family is a two-balled sword, she said. It must be maneuvered expertly to avoid injury.”
-COLLECTED FOLKTALES

JACK the strong and brave. He fight for what is right and is not afraid to take on anyone that stands in his way; especially for the woman he loves.

When I really, really, really enjoy a book, I never like to give too much of the story away. I want everyone to experience the awe, amazement and intrigue that I have reading Song of Blood and Stone.

So I leave my review here, this is a MUST BUY AND A MUST READ. ENJOY THE JOURNEY.

I don't often read fantasy books, but this one caught my eye. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Jasminda is a well-written heroine. She is a young woman, an orphan, and despised in her home town because of her heritage. Her mother was an Elsiran, where Jasminda lives, but her father was Lagrimari, whose people are hated enemies. Jasminda's mother had been disowned by her family because of her marriage, so the family had settled in a remote area of the kingdom, away from harm. Her mother had died, and her father and two brothers had gone missing in a storm, presumed dead. Jasminda had her father's colouring, so when she needed to visit the local town she was viewed with suspicion, and shopkeepers would try and cheat her. One day after being in town she comes across soldiers with a prisoner who they are treating badly. It is clear that they are Lagrimari, and believe themselves to be in their own country, so it is clear to Jasminda that there has been a further breach in the magical wall that divides the two countries.

And so Jasminda's adventure begins. She is an Earthsinger, with the power of healing, which she uses on the prisoner Jack. But her powers are not strong, she can only use it in short bursts, then will take a day to recover the power. She and Jack manage to escape through a certain amount of cunning, neither of them is strong enough to fight armed soldiers. Jack is not quite telling the truth about himself, he is a far more powerful person than she could have imagined. There are a lot of adventures, Jasminda is not the strongest of heroines, but she is brave and determined, and you quickly warm to her, and care about her.

There is a happy ending, with many surprises along the way. Worth reading.

One of the main reasons I picked up this book was because of the gorgeous cover. Just look at it. It's so pretty. Initially this book started off slow to me and to tell the truth I thought about putting it down. But I'm glad I kept reading because it got so good after they left Jasminda's farm. Jack to me though seemed a little to perfect while Jasminda had doubts and was a kickass female character. I enjoyed the fact that Jack and Jasminda were a biracial couple. I don't read many books that feature biracial couples. I really enjoyed this book after the initial slowness and I can't wait for the second book to be released.

I like YA novels that have a dystopian setting and this one did not disappoint! Jasminda, half Elsiran and half Legrimari, lives in Elsira, but people do not like her because she is an Earthsinger and looks more like a Legrimari. She helps the soldier Jack and they are brought together a day later due to unforeseen circumstances and when away from danger are brought to the capital. Secrets are uncovered and love blossoms during all the bad while trying to bring the Elsiran to fight against the True Father and help prevent the break in the Mantel between the two lands. After ups and downs it is a happy ending with more to come. Can’t wait to read the next book!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.

Unfortunately I have to report that I just <b>couldn’t get into this book no matter how much I wanted to</b>. I really tried to give this book as many chances as I could, because I was so excited to participate in the Blog Tour and the premise had me really intrigued. However, this book didn’t seem to be for me, which is just me though! It could totally be the book for you, so please give the book a chance! I’m going to make a short bullet-point Review, instead of a long Review as I wasn’t a fan of the book.

<b><u>What I Liked</u></b>
- <b>Jack was great</b>! I immediately liked him, because he was funny, kind, protective and someone that was so easy to like. I definitely liked him as a love interest as well and can say that he really brightened the book for me!

- <b>The overall idea for the book was good</b> and like I said the premise was what drew me in in the first place! I actually liked the prologue and the little collected fairytales at the beginning of each chapter! I also found the concept of Earthsong and the Mantle to be very interesting!

- <b>Jasminda was a good, headstrong heroine</b>! I loved that we saw her struggling with being seen as an outsider and I liked that she wasn’t a super strong Singer, it was refreshing to see a heroine who is not super powerful

<b><u>What I wasn’t a Fan of</u></b>
- <b>The worldbuilding could have been more fleshed out</b>. I still have a lot of questions and would have wished them to be answered, as there was a lot of potential!

- <b>I couldn’t get into the writing style at all</b>. I don’t know exactly what it was, but for me the writing didn’t draw me in or make me very invested in the story. That’s primarily why I had a hard time staying engaged.

- <b>The pacing was a bit slow at times</b>. This also added to my issues with staying engaged, because I felt like the beginning was a bit too slow in my opinion and even later the pace wasn’t as fast as I would have liked it to be. That’s just me though.

<b>IN CONCLUSION:</b> <i>Song of Blood & Stone</i> had a really good premise and offered an interesting world, but sadly I couldn't get into it and was not engaged in the story. I felt like the pacing wasn't the best and the writing style could not keep my attention either.

This was pretty good! I wasn't sure at first but i really got into it. The characters were interesting and well developed. The heroine's powers wrre awesome! The story draws you in and you fall into this great tale. I can't wait to see what the next book brings to us!

First off, this book is not YA, I know it’s shocking that I read an adult book. I think the cover looks YA and the summary made it sound that way, so my thinking was that it might have YA appeal or even New Adult. And to some extent it does. But there are some very mature scenes in this book, so I would caution you to consider that before recommending it to someone under 17. If it was a movie I would give it an NC17 rating for sexual content. There is a pretty intense attempted rape and some pretty explicit sexual content. That said it was still a good story that I would recommend to adults that like fantasy romance books.

I do have some mixed feelings about this book. I liked the characters and the overall plot, but I spent a lot of time somewhat confused about some things. About a quarter of the way through I did consider not finishing it. But I always feel guilty about doing that when it is an ARC, so I pushed through and I am glad I did, because it got better. I thought that I would list what I liked and what I didn’t about this book.

What I liked:
Both Jack and Jasminda were wonderful characters. They both realize what a messed up world they live in, that the prejudice people feel about the Lagrimarese is wrong, but as individuals they feel that they have little power to change things. That said they are still very strong willed and try their hardest to be together. Their romance was very sweet and I really liked them together.
Once I got into the story, I really liked it. It was a little slow moving at times, but the overall themes of prejudice and good versus evil were nicely done.
Most fantasies tend to be set in a world that feels more like medieval times. This world has a mixture of magic and technology. But not modern, more like mid 20th century. So there are cars and phones and such, but no computers.
I liked the little snippets of folktales at the start of each chapter.
What I didn’t like:
The magical system is not well explained. It is interesting, but I really didn’t get it. Possibly because Jasminda’s earthsong was weak and untrained, so she didn’t get it either at times. Some of the things we learn at the end of the book about the magical system and how this world was set up would have been more helpful at the start of the story.
This book really needs a map! I was so confused about where they were at the start of this book and where they were traveling to. And why if they were already in Elsira they had to travel through caves to get to Elsira with the refugees they met from Lagrimar. Even when I reread that part, thinking I had missed something, it didn’t help. A map might of helped this confusion.
There were some secondary plots that seemed unnecessary or were not explained well, to the overall plot. They also didn’t go anywhere in the end.
Jasminda has these visions that helped explain the backstory of this world, and I liked them, but I almost felt that this backstory needed to be a whole prequel to this book, which maybe would have helped my confusion about some of the plot points in this story.
Overall, I liked the story even with it’s flaws and would recommend it to anyone who likes a good romance with their fantasy.

I enjoyed Song of Blood Stone. Its was a little bit of everything from Magic, Love and War. The Author was able to convey the story in such way it feels as it you were living it. There were times i find myself trying to send my energy to hep in one way or another. I would recommend this book.

GREAT read. Full of details, intriguing plot twists, secrets, characters will hold you captive!
I had some problem with getting into the story at first, but after few chapters, I devoured the rest in huge pace! Be prepared for few moments that will make you think: HOW I COULD NOT SEE IT COMING!
Great enjoyable read!

Song of Blood and Stone was an amazing epic fantasy, with a twist of romance. Full of action and adventure. The characters were wonderful, and easy to fall in love with!

Wonderful, intriguing, great story premise, and good writing combine to make this novel a good read. However, there are some factors involved that you need to be aware of. There is a graphic rape scene about 17% into the book. There is also some graphic, and nasty violence.

Just beware.

Character development is very good. There is quite a bit of backstory, and I'm not sure how crucial that is for the rest of the story, although it does help to develop the characters and motivations.

Well written and well turned phrases, in some places rather lyrical. This is just more adult fare than I am used to and that is why I couldn't go past the 20% mark. So it this review is not all it should be.

I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review. This review was published here and on Upon Reflection http://uponreflectionblog.blogspot.com simultaneously. Tweeted and Facebooked

SONG OF BLOOD & STONE is a very well written fantasy that alludes to the current politics causing so much upheaval in the western world today. In this respect, it is not unique. I am of the opinion that writers use what they see and hear in the world around them to create the fictions about which they write. Some incorporate the elements of reality in much more subtle ways than do others. I was somewhat reminded of the classic Star Trek episode "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield" while reading of the war between people, with and without Earthsong, separated by a magical wall into which there have been seven breaches.

There are two separate stories woven in the pages of SONG OF BLOOD & STONE. The main story is an action packed chronicle of two people who find each other in dire straits and grow to depend on each other for their very survival. The second story is the legend of the people who inhabit this place. The coincidence of the two doesn't occur until very near the end of the book, but that's a good thing. Although the legend is meant to foreshadow what is to come and why events unfurl as they do, to have them become fully meaningful too soon would have destroyed the ending.

Although this is meant to be the first book in a series (Earthsinger Chronicles), SONG OF BLOOD & STONE stands well on its own. It is a story of battles and nationalism taken to the extreme. It is also a story of finding love and acceptance where none was expected.

The next book in the series, WHISPERS OF SHADOW & FLAME, appears to be available in paperback only, with limited availability at this time. I trust that an eBook version is in the works.

If you love the idea of fantasy and romance combined, you'll probably have a hard time putting down Song of Blood & Stone.

Jasminda has humble ambitions: after losing her whole family, she'd only like to keep her ownership of the family home and live there in peace. She knows that the Elsiran community shuns her for her Lagrimari looks – not that she can change the colour of her skin, can she? – and so she visits the nearby village only when she really needs something. Like this she doesn't have to bear the locals' frowning looks very often.

But when a dangerous storm starts to brew and her little cottage – the place she deems the safest in whole Elsira – is invaded by soldiers, she gets pulled into a chain of events that threatens to tear her whole world apart. The spy – a boy named Jack – who the soldiers brought with them is trying to convince her she is an important piece on a chessboard where the fate of both Elsira and Lagrimar will be soon decided. She finds it hard not to believe him because he looks and sounds like destiny.

Jasminda and Jack manage to escape and they start to work together to ensure peace and prosperity in the two countries that have always been in war with each other.

Jasminda was born in Elsira but she is part Lagrimari, because her father came from the other side of the border. Since her skin is darker and that marks her as a Lagrimari, Elsiran people don't particularly like her. She is also a Singer like all of the Lagrimari. Her Song can create and heal, however, people are terrified of her power. Jack is the first Elsiran who sees potential in her and Jasminda is grateful for that.

I absolutely adored the world building in this book. The two countries share a history. Their two mysterious leaders from the past, whose identities are revealed through flashbacks, were once very close to each other. The reason why their relationship changed is very logical and believable, yet their tale is rather tragic.

Jack, the male protagonist, isn't who he seems to be either and because of his true status him and Jasminda have to suffer quite a lot.

The Song as a power has interesting qualities; it makes a Singer capable of healing, growing crop or seeing into the distance, among other things. It is fascinating, though a bit all over the place and not much explanation is given how it works, unfortunately. Jasminda's Song, despite her being the MC is very weak, which I was happy to learn because I'm a bit fed up with super-strong protagonists, be they male or female. Her own Song doesn't develop, not even later in the story and yet she is the one who fights the good fight for the right of the Lagrimari (with a little help of course, but still... you see my point). It was a nice touch.

The romance between Jack and Jasminda is as tender as it comes. They care deeply for each other and stand up for one another when they need to. Their stolen moments are beautiful.

If you don't read this book for anything else, read it for the writing. It is phenomenal, it will blow you away. Oh, how I wish I could write like Ms. Penelope...

I'm sure I'll devour the second book just like I did the this one...

In a world where some are touched by magic, where 2 nations are divided by an impenetrable wall of magic we follow Jasminda and Jack.
Jasminda is an outcast in her own country of Elsira, being of mixed parentage and having the gift of Earthsong. Jack, a prisoner of war being led back to the True Father, the god-king of Lagamiri. When they meet each other, sparks fly and through thick and thin they are resolved to protect their home from war.
The Mantle can be breached, for now only by those who know where the cracks are, but soon the magic that keeps the True Father at bay will fall and Elsira will be unable to withstand the Earthsong the inhabitants can wield.

My take on the book:

I loved it, it had everything you would want from a book. A great story, characters with real flaws, with insecurities and longings just like everyone else. It was a very powerful story full of intrigue, deceit, fear, betrayal, hope, friendship, love, determination, ...

World building was superb, with detailed descriptions the author got our imagination working overtime, dropping us in the middle of nations on the verge of another war. Character building was likewise very good, we got to know Jack and Jasminda on a pretty deep level, why they react certain ways, what they fear and love and what pulls them to each other. But not only the main characters are well fleshed out, our support characters have a feel to them as if you've known them for years.

As already said, the story is great, it's excellently written and I have found little to no errors.
The pacing and flow are good, giving Jasminda and Jack enough time between running to explore their feelings and insecurities.

This book contains sex (if that is important for you).

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book, courtesy of NetGalley and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will surely read the following books!

FROM GOODREADS:
A treacherous, thrilling, epic fantasy about an outcast drawn into a war between two powerful rulers.

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 Lagamiri 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 it’s people from the True Father and he needs Jasminda’s Earthsong to do it. They escape their ruthless captors and together they 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.

★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆

I’ve been looking forward to sitting down to write this review, because this was one of the better fantasy titles I have read this year.

In this novel you get the current (present) POVs of both Jasminda and Jack. Jasminda is such a strong female lead–she’s independent, strong, fierce, loyal, intelligent, and has no problem with sacrificing or own wants for the greater good. And Jack… without revealing too much about him.. he stands out from the norm for his situation in life. He tends to see people for who they are in their hearts and souls, always stands up for what is right, and has so much determination to protect those that he loves. You also get some flashbacks/visions thrown into the mix from some characters who lived long ago. These flashbacks/visions are super important and it was really great how they all tied together in the ending.

Speaking of the ending— WOW! I kind of lost steam around 60-70% of the way through the book (not due to any fault of the novel’s… I just tend to do that with fantasy sometimes), but once I started hitting that rising action that led up to the climactic ending, I couldn’t put the book down!

For me, this was the perfect level of fantasy. While I enjoy most fantasy titles I pick up, many times I have a hard time wading into the waters and getting started because sometimes I feel overwhelmed with all of the new language, characters, locations, specifications of magic, etc…. But Song of Blood & Stone was very easy to jump head-first into. The Earthsinger magic was not overly complicated, the characters were introduced at a very easy pacing, and the locations were basically divided between two areas, so there weren’t five thousand cities to keep up with.

The magic system in this novel is called Earthsong, and Jasminda is one of the individuals–a Singer– who can perform this type of magic. Some individuals have more power than others, and those who live under the reign of the ‘True Father’ have to give up their song (called a ‘tribute’) to him. Therefore, those that are able to sing (cast Earthsong), have somehow escaped the reign of the ‘True Father’ or, like Jasminda, are living under unique circumstances.

The romance is fantastic in this book. It was also the perfect balance. Many times you either get the adventure overshadowing the romance, or the romance overshadowing the adventure–but L. Penelope got it right with this one.. the perfect blend! Jasminda and Jack have such a strong chemistry and I loved watching their relationship unfold. But they also both know that they serve a bigger purpose in this story and do not let their attraction get in the way of ‘moving mountains’. Also note.. this is definitely an adult fantasy title–there are a couple super steamy scenes (but they are very well integrated and do not dominate the plot in any way).

There are so many layers to this book, which I loved. The diversity is a front-runner in this novel, with not only the author being a POC, but also the main character, Jasminda, is of a dark-skinned race and is often looked down upon for both that and her abilities. She is unique in the fact that she is a blend of these two opposing cultures/races, so she very much has to battle with the challenge of never truly feeling like she ‘fits’ anywhere. There are so many themes of political conflict, discrimination (of all types), fulfillment of destiny, and even moral righteousness (especially when related to refugees). There were so many instances where I paused my reading and really reflected on how the current scene could apply to a current event or current issue (as well as former events/issues in our history).

This book is the first in a series, so I am super anxious to read the next installment. From what I have gathered, the next installment does not jump into a continuation of Jasminda and Jack’s story, but does introduce two new, very likable characters. I cannot wait to pick up the next title and fall in love with another set of characters.



Trigger Warning(s): Adult Sexual Content, Racial/Cultural/Religious Discrimination, Sexual Assault, Attempted Rape, Violence, Violence Toward a Child, War Themes, Death



Thank you to L. Penelope & St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.