Absolutely loved this book. Jasminda lives in a country where the color of her skin makes her and her people pariahs. It doesn’t matter that she is ‘biracial’. She is discriminated upon at every turn. She meets and saves Jack who is white—and as it turns out Royalty. They fall in love, but of course this is highly frowned upon not only because of his station, but also because she is black. This book really explored colorism/racism/classism/discrimination/abuse. You name it. All while being wrapped up in a wonderfully written book that kept me rapt from start to finish. Of course you knew how the book would end, but I didn’t care. I loved it and can’t wait for the second book

Well written romantic fantasy read. The story moved at a fair pace although I did find myself growing bored at various points. Fortunately, the author was able to recapture my attention by just creating wonderful characters in Jasminda and Jack. If you enjoy YA epic fantasy then you will enjoy this.

I was given an ARC for my honest opinion.

Song of Blood and Stone by L. Penelope
Jasminda had been concerned about her land and the prospect of losing everything that her family had worked for. She was all alone and had been for two years, but the memories made at her home with her parents and siblings gave her comfort. That had been her concern, before she found the young man, badly beaten outside her home. Jack was wearing a Lagrimari uniform but he was an Elsiran, his skin color and ginger hair proved as much. He was running from Lagrimari soldiers and believed he was still in Lagrimari, unaware that Jasminda lived as an Elsiran citizen being part Elsiran herself. Her dark brown complexion was that of her father who was a Lagrimari refugee. The mantle that separated the two lands was broken in spots and a new war was coming. Jasminda tried to heal the young soldier using her Earthsong, but unexperienced as she was she could do little to heal him before the soldiers arrived. But he has secrets of his own and the two must learn to trust each other, if either of them are going to survive.

Don’t let that introduction fool you, this story becomes very complicated very quickly, as the history of the mantle and what lead to it’s creation is slowly untold. When this story begins all readers are aware of is the bias and prejudice that exists towards those who have magic through their Earthsong. It’s obvious how unfair and bias this is and that is based off of physical characteristics, mainly the color of the skin. Jasminda whose appearance doesn’t reveal that she is in fact an Elsiran citizen, leaves her to be ridiculed and ostracized. The biases are so clear cut and well defined that it’s impossible to deny its presence. With that we have Jack who doesn’t judge Jasminda, ends up working with her and falling for her but has to deal with his own prejudice and the prejudice of people around him as he is given new roles. Like I said this story gets complicated but everything unfolds beautifully.

What I ended up really enjoying about this story was the attention to world building and how well it is wrapped up in the storytelling. It’s essential in this story to build a world where a wall divides people that once lived in unison together and now through the centuries have been separated by fear and prejudice. I loved that the third person narrative was used throughout the story, because it distanced the readers in a way from being too sympathetic to any character’s struggle. The only time this isn’t true is when the story of the mantle was being unveiled and then readers were able to experience through first person narrative how that unfolded.

I really enjoyed this novel. I loved this pacing and I absolutely loved how the true history was unfolded. I thought that for a first in a series it did a really good job of establishing the magic of the Earthsong but I hope other novels in this series delve deeper into it. I want to know as much as I can because I thought it was really well done. My interest in it is piqued to say the least. I’m also curious to see how life unfolds for society after the way this first novel ended. How difficulty will it be to dismantle the pre-existing prejudice? Throughout the novel we are shown time and time again how imbedded this prejudice is and I’m curious to see what direction Penelope will take the story.

Overall, I really enjoyed this. It’s a strong introduction to what I’m sure will be an intense series. There is a social commentary littered throughout that readers will have no choice but to be drawn into and I’m hoping it will resonate outside of the book. I’m looking forward to more from Penelope. The world building had me hooked, and the story kept me reading.

I really wanted to like this one but I ended up stopping at Chapter 18. The cover is gorgeous and the description intrigued me but the way it was laid out just did not catch my interest. I just couldn't get into the story. Maybe I'll get back to it one day and pick up where I left off but right now Jasminda and Jack just aren't interesting to me.

This was a simply beautiful book. First and foremost it was a romance – I’m not keen on romance but I found myself captivated by the fairytale feel of this one, maybe because the romance itself felt like fantasy. The prose was dreamlike and descriptive, something I really enjoy when it’s done well. However since that usually results in a slower pace, I can see why other readers might not warm to it. Personally I just enjoyed being along for the ride with this book, never feeling that I needed to tear through it but still wanting see where it went. The world building is excellent, I love how diverse it was and I enjoyed the fantasy and political elements. I look forward to the next book.

I enjoyed this book, the world building was great and I really enjoyed the main character, Jasminda. Although this is a YA fantasy novel, I think it leans more towards a YA romance. There are definitely elements of fantasy, magic and some mystery throughout the book. I felt a bit like this book had a very strong plot and the plot it did present was fairly predictable. However, it does move along at a fairly steady pace and is pretty action packed. Some of the fantasy elements of this book I would have loved to have more information and a background on. I did enjoy the way the book ended and I appreciate that there was no cliff hanger and epilogue kind of wrapped the story up. And the cover of this book is gorgeous.

Thank you to the publisher, St. Martin's Press, for sending me an ARC of this book.

I got to read a great book over the last few days. I was very lucky and got an advance copy of Song of Blood & Stone by L. Penelope. 

I am very happy to say I loved this book. I had a fun time reading it, the characters were fun to learn about and honestly, i loved this style she created the magic system within this book. now at the start of the book, i do have to say it is a slow at least in my mind it was but near the middle of the book, it started to really speed up. 

But I will put a warning in this book if you are not a person who likes scene that portrays the action a man and women have with each other. You might now like this book. Now it is not a very strong point in this book but I do want you all to be aware of that before going in. I do have to say in consideration of what I have read before it was very tame. But once again it is not for everyone. 

So from that point, I have to say this book is very well written I really enjoyed it, and I look forward to the rest of these series. I want to see how the author is going to take this story and how it wrapped up and make the next one just as good. 

I give this book a 3/5 star rating and I am excited about the next installment. 



A huge thank you goes out to NetGalley for giving me a chance to read this book. Also if this sound like something up your alley the book is going to be released May 1st. 



But until next time here at the nook!

E.

There were parts about Song of Blood and Stone that I liked, and there were parts about it that I didn’t like. The intriguing synopsis (and the gorgeous cover, I’m shallow like that) is what first piqued my interest, and I was excited to be approved for an advanced copy. As I began reading, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this is actually a New Adult novel in the Fantasy Romance genre, not a Young Adult Fantasy. I keep saying there needs to be more NA Fantasy books!

One of the better aspects of the book was the plot; it was straightforward, with no unnecessary drama added. The story was not entirely unique, however, and loosely followed the same formula as many other fantasy books. But even with that being said, I was still entertained enough to want to continue reading to see how everything would be resolved by the end. Another really part of the story were the diverse characters and the relationship between Jasminda and Jack. The author casts a very realistic portrayal of their relationship and the hardships they had to face to be together.

My biggest struggle with Song of Blood and Stone had to do with the world-building. I spent a majority of the time confused about the setting and the world. At first, it reads like a typical historical fantasy, and then suddenly there are mentions of electricity, phones, trucks, and airships. Every time a more modern invention was mentioned, it completely threw me off. I think the world-building needed to be developed more fully. I also wish there had been a better explanation of the magic system and Earthsingers’ abilities. I finished the book and still wasn’t sure what they could actually do and how.

Because of the combination of an unremarkable plot and undeveloped world-building, I didn’t enjoy this as much as I had been hoping. Had there been either a really unique and gripping plot, or stronger world-building, I would have enjoyed the story a bit more.

This book is amazing! I did not think that this books would as good as it was. The story line, the plots, the characters, everything was a wonderful read. From the very start the book was enthralling and very hard to put down. The main character, Jasminda, is such a wonderful character you can't help but cheer her on and hope for the best.

The layers in this book is amazing. I am currently looking at other books this author has written to read. I can not wait to see what she writes next. This book keeps you enthralled and it is very hard to put down. I did not want this book to end, but alas it did. Now I have to wait till the next one comes out so I can find out how Jasminda handles her new powers she received.

If you like fantasy novels then you will love it. The characters are wonderful and the plot lines are easy to follow yet still leaves you with questions. I know I say this often but I would recommend this book highly if you like fantasy novels.

I received with thanks an ARC copy of Song of Blood & Stone (Earthsinger Chronicles #1) from St Martin’s Press & Netgalley.

This is my true and honest review of Song of Blood & Stone by L Penelope. This is due for publication on 1st May 2018.

I first like to mention the world building in this is just incredible. This is a fantasy where anything can happen. We have a strong lead main character that is enjoyable to read about. I loved the romance and the diversity that is represented in this book.

I really recommend checking this one out upon release.

An interesting story, I love the beginning!I was so into the story from the beginning and I was so intrigued to see what will happen next!I loved that it has action and the romance was sweet and I like the characters!What make me not love it as much as I wanted is that it was more focused in the romance that I didn't expected in a book like this!Overall, it was a great story!

I honestly was expecting this to be just another fantasy story like hundreds of others I've read before and in some ways it was, but in most ways it was so much more and I found myself absolutely in love with it! I can't wait to read more from this author!

I was so excited to start reading this book. It had such high promise due to the description and the main protagonist sounded really interesting as well. However. I unfortunately ended up DNF-ing (did not finish) the book, due to it being to cheesy, predictable and boring.
I've read so many other books like this, it did not feel original the slightest :/ which I'm gutted for as I was really looking forward to love and adore this book.
When I say cheesy sentences, i mean: "She closed her eyes, and once again the warm buzz of Earthsong poured into him like a fizzy cola" I mean what???
Therefore, I just could not force myself to read the book. But I really appreciate that I was sent an ARC early copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a digital arc of "Song of Blood & Stone" by L. Penelope. I really like the world building and the magic system. They were both original and full of imagination. The main characters are very interesting and the story kept me reading. This book is perfect for those who enjoy fantasy.

I wanted so badly to like this book, especially after I found out it was self-published (as a self-published author myself). The premise is good, the cover is gorgeous, the world is interesting, and the beginning is actually not bad. But once Jasminda and Jack start their journey over the mountain, everything went kind of downhill.

The world that I found so interesting was poorly developed. I don't know anything about it, or this mysterious Earthsong. Why is it called Earthsong? Where does the "song" part come in? I read somewhere that this is an alternate 1920s, which is so cool, but it's just so flat. I can't picture it in my head, except for the mountains, because that's pretty self-explanatory.

The author introduces a pretty decent (and topical) racial disparity that is also never really explored further. The Lagrimari are clearly POC and the Elsirans are coded white, and it seems like only Lagrimari have whatever magic this Earthsong is, and it's been like that for hundreds of years. The countries are separated, so that's kind of understandable, and later you find out how and why all the Earthsingers are in Lagrimari, but, like, was it always like that? All the POC had magic and none of the white people did? That's actually fascinating, and we don't learn anything about it, which is disappointing.

As interesting as the first few chapters were, the last few chapters I had to skim, because at that point I didn't really care anymore but I wanted to finish the book. The plot is very contrived, and I don't like how things that are supposed to feel important just aren't given the importance they deserve. Oh, it turns out this guy is the prince. Oh, I just so happen to meet my estranged aunt that I've never mentioned before at this refugee camp. Oh, wouldn't you know, you need a pilot and my girlfriend is a pilot. This is the first book in a series, so I wasn't expecting basically everything to be resolved by the end of the book, and then it was, and it was just super anticlimactic. Once Jasminda and Jack leave her own plot of land, everything kind of rushes along from one plot point to the next.

Props for an interracial romance that neither of the characters really thinks twice about, but it is clearly a problem in this world, and that's also something that we don't spend any decent amount of time on. But the romance doesn't win any other points, because it's just so rushed and trope-y. They're in love with each other after a few days, which is typical, but the way Jack describes Jasminda is kind of cringe-y. It's all about her appearance and her touch, and that just doesn't say "love" to me, it says something else.

Title: Song of Blood and Stone (Book 1)
Author: L. Penticoff (?)
Series: 1 of ?
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher:
Page Count: 338
Type of Book: Uncorrected Proof, Kindle ARC
Rated: 5/5 stars


This book was a highly anticipated read for me, and while it was vastly different than what I expected, it was still a phenomenal read. Full of darkness, magic, characters struggling to survive in harsh environments, and other things still, I really enjoyed this book and thank the publisher on Netgalley for providing me a copy of it. Eventually, I want to get a physical copy of the book because it’s just that good.

While it does the annoying thing of swapping between two characters, it does so effortlessly to the point that I don’t really mind it. It tells the story of Jasminda (cool name!) and Jack, two characters that meet by chance, it seems. Jack is beaten and unconscious when she finds him out by her cabin in the wilderness away from town. Jack is convinced he comes from the other side of the Mantle, a barrier that’s been between two countries at war for decades it sounds like.

Jasminda’s father was from the other side, while her mother was originally Lagrimari. It seems that such pairings were unheard of, and Jasminda is looked down upon in the town because of it. Most folk in town think of her as a witch, though she only ever uses her Earthsong for good. When she meets Jack, she is already going on 24 hours of no sleep due to searching the mountain for her missing Papa and two brothers, whom she believes to have perished years ago in a dreadful storm but were never found. Her mother also gone, due to an illness in the body, Jasminda has been alone for years now, and is fighting off the tax collectors who want to take her farm and land. She has less than ten days to come up with enough money to save her family’s farm.

But when she finds Jack, the farm somehow becomes less of a problem than it has been, as the two of them struggle to survive against the soldiers from the other side who want to take Jack back for questioning as he’s considered a spy. Jasminda attempts to help him as best as she can, and the two of them play their parts as best as they are able.

*There is one brief scene that alludes to Jack nearly being sexually abused by the male soldiers, but Jasminda saves him, and a more graphic scene as well of Jasminda almost getting the same treatment at her farm as well. Nothing overly detailed, but it might be triggersome for some readers.

We watch as Jasminda and Jack leave a burning home behind, and Jasminda is forced to follow Jack into a country she knows next to nothing about, with only her Earthsong to help her along the way. Together, the two of them attempt to stop a tyrannical man who has been stealing Earthsong from people-babies even-for decades, building up his power so that he is unstoppable. It will take courage, strength, and all the powers combined to help the two of them survive.

I highly recommend this book, because it’s full of unique characters, an interesting magic system, and it makes me think vaguely if The Legend of Shannara meets The Sword of Truth series, then it would be a perfect child of those two combined series. It’s a strong, well written novel that contains several interesting characters with a storyline that I’m sure many will love.

Five out of five stars!

{review posted also on my blog and goodreads} at http://www.passmethatbook.wordpress.com}

Jasminda has always been shunned by those in the village; her dark skin marks her out as a foreign witch. Only when she rescues injured soldier Jack, does she find people that accept her. Together, they are pulled along a path to bring about an ancient prophecy.

I received a free copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

This story follows Jasminda, who inherited her dark looks from her father - a man native to Lagamiri, the eternal enemy of her homeland Elsira. Her mother's family have practically disowned her, and would like nothing more than to scrub her from existence.
After her parents are brothers die, Jasminda has to work hard to keep their little family farm running; made all the more difficult by a sudden and unexpected tax bill, that threatens to bankrupt her.
She has grown up with constant racist abuse and distrust from the local town, who can't abide her magic, and her looks.

Jasminda has no interest or ambitions beyond keeping her head down, and saving her farm from being repossessed. Until a chance encounter with an injured soldier suddenly makes her a necessary part in a scheme to refortify the barrier that stops the enemy True Father from attacking and enslaving Elsira.

The soldier, Jack, quickly becomes the most solid friend she's ever had. Despite the fact that his identity is a shifting blur from "gentle poet" to "warrior", "general" and... well, something else. He is the first person that truly believes in Jasminda.
There is an undeniable attraction between the two of them, and you know that it's only a matter of time before passion consumes them, even amidst the threat of war, and political drama.

There's a distinct change in tone, as the plot moves away from the adventure of seeking a way to protect Elsira, and avoiding a magical enemy; to the luxuries of the capital. Here, it focuses more on dances, dresses, political intrigue, and returns to Jasminda's desire to save the farm.
There is also the romance between Jasminda and Jack, as the real world threatens to ruin the connection between them.

I really enjoyed this story. It provided a lot of history and background, so even though the plot skipped along lightly, it felt well-rounded.
I like how it tackled topics like racism and the attitudes towards asylum seekers. It really built up the tension gradually, and flared in all the right places.
I also liked how Jasminda is not the most powerful witch. Her own magic is weak compared to her father and other full-blooded Lagamiri; but she still steps up to do anything she can to help stop the True Father.

This book can be read as a standalone, but does set up for a series to follow.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Overall, I found this to be an solid fantasy novel. It has a number of fantastic elements, including a main character who is a woman of color, an interracial couple as the main romantic focus and other fabulous elements of diversity (such as a same sex couple) that are often missing in fantasy novels. I enjoyed the overarching plot and there were a number of themes that had clear and present parallels to issues in modern culture. And the cover...my goodness, it's spectacular. Who wouldn't want that on their shelf?

My complaint is this: the book never seemed to quite live up to it's potential. All the elements were there, but the whole novel never added up to the sum of all its wonderful parts. For all the positive diversity there was
a distinct lack of women in this book, and the world-building was paper thin in places. So many minor twists and turns through the book were never fulfilled, and the author relied on tropes and cliches much more than necessary given the originality of the other elements. And from a technical perspective, the writing could have been better.

By the end I was left a little disappointed. I wanted to LOVE this book, but it didn't come up to that benchmark for me. But those who love the YA fantasy romance genre will find this a solid option.


As a side note, this book was previously published so you are not going crazy if you think you might have read it before.

A different sci fi fantasy story.
Parts of it was good yet some didn't realy interest me.
Characters were okay.
In all it was an okay book.

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.- Goodreads

Firstly, the overall story is told very well. It isn't as complicated as you would think; it is straight forward to a certain extent. But it wasn't fast pace; you don't feel as if the story is rushed.

Jasminda is hard to like and that is because she is a weak individual and that doesn't really change. I don't believe the decisions she made was because of a newfound strength but it was really due to having no real alternative. I wanted to like her. I really did but she made excuses and didn't try. 

I liked Jack more than Jasminda but he was losing focus a lot throughout the book. Compared to Jasminda, he had more substance, strength and heart. 

There were two issues with this book. For one, it is heavy on the romance. I have no issue with this other than it takes away from the magic, the fantasy of the novel. I like Jack and Jasminda together but there isn't enough history. Do not get me wrong what you need to know is there but there are holes in the story regarding Jasminda past. It is slightly touched upon but if the author added more of her past then there would have been a better balance and the questions I had after finishing the book would have been more of what next and I think someone knows something. 

Secondly, Jasminda didn't work to become better. She accepted the fact that her Earthsong was weak and did nothing to change it. But the worst part of that is everyone around her accepted that. I was disappointed in that. Did she use her Earthsong to the best of her ability to do some good? Yes, she did but was things pretty much handed to her with no real explanation? Yes.

These are two huge concerns with the book, however, I stayed up until 2:30 in the morning to finish this book. I couldn't put it down. You get sucked into the conflict between those who have the Earthsong and those who do not. You want more and you keep reading because there is a promise of more. Does the author deliver? Yes and no. There are whole within the plot but there is a promise in book two that there will be more. 

I loved the romance, loved the world this story takes place in but I wanted more details, history and fight in this book. However, I was impressed and even when writing this review, I smile with how much I love this story and cannot wait for book two. 

This series with some work is going to be amazing. 

4 Pickles