Noteworthy experiences while reading this book: This was one of the most beautiful written books I have read in a while.

Check out author's other books? Yes
Recommend this book? Yes

Notes and Opinions: This book had a lot of good things like the characters and the world buliding but then it also had a few bad things like missing characters. (Where we hear about them but dont see them) I really wished we could have met her brothers as well as a few other people that were talked about but not seen.

This book was beautiful written and the world building was some of the best that I have read. The forfront of this title is love. This book is a romance and the magic although it is here it is not the main aspect of this story. And to tell you the truth I really enjoyed that.

The characters that we did get to see were wonderful and I just couldn't put this one down. The cover is fantastic and the story is as well. Jasminda (love the name btw) was just beautiful and a wonderful character to read about.

Go Into This One Knowing: Fantasy, Romance

Lots of intrigue, action, and adventure. A little romance, and oh so sweet of a plot building nicely. This book keeps you engaged until you finish it. It has fae undertones with the Earthsong powers. I give it 5 stars.

The overall concept of this extremely well written novel was what hooked me. I really loved the characters, plot but some of the details left me wanting. It was a great book that I would recommend but it's probably a once read for me.

Despite a slow start, "Song of Blood & Stone" was a breath-taking new adult fantasy that left me wanting more. We begin with Jasminda, a "half-breed," being the daughter of an Earthsinger from Lagrimar and an Elsiran woman who was part of the Sisterhood who took care of refugees (how her parents met). The two kingdoms are separated by both skin color and power- leading to stark racism. The Lagrimari are dark-skinned but have the power of Song, which allows them to connect to the earth and alter it, uncover emotions, heal, etc. The Elsirans are light-skinned but devoid of any power. They fear the Lagrimari for their power and call them grol witches.

Lagrimar is ruled by The True Father, an evil man of immense power who steals his people's Songs for himself and has a large harem to produce soldiers and more people from whom to drain power. Elsira is ruled by a king and council, but they all believe in the Sleeping Queen, who is worshiped and prayed to almost as a religious figure, but is supposedly their first Queen who is asleep and will one day be awakened. As people who are of either country's descent can be readily recognized by skin color, there are immense prejudices between them. Although the countries are separated by a magical barrier, The True Father is constantly working to breach this barrier and invade Elsira.

Jasminda lives near the border between Elsira and Lagrimar. Her Elsiran mother died years before and two years ago, her father and twin brothers (her brothers were born without Song and so appear Elsiran) went missing. She lives alone on their farmland, which she is at risk of losing due to back taxes supposedly owed. Her life changes drastically when she is on the way back home and comes across an injured Elsiran soldier close to death. Although her song is weak, she uses it to heal him a little to stave off death. The soldier, Jack, is followed close behind by Lagrimari soldiers who do not realize they have crossed the border. They commandeer her house.

Seeking to save Jack and herself, she soon finds a mission larger than herself when Jack asks for her aid to strengthen the Mantle, the magical border between the two countries. However, they will first have to find a way to escape the Lagrimari soldiers who are a product of their cruel ruler. As the story evolves, we move far away from the sheltered life Jasminda lived on the outskirts of the countries and learn so much more about this fascinating world.

I would heavily classify this story as new adult for a graphic attempted rape scene and later very detailed intimate sex scenes (consensual) which make this fit less into the YA category. There are also some very interesting political statements that reflect on those that face our own country. I won't say too much about it because I found this story to be full of twists and turns that I did not see coming, and I would hate to spoil any of it! I also would like to commend this story for the diversity of characters- a main character with dark skin, interracial couples, and same-sex couples make appearances throughout. There is a whole host of wonderful characters, and I am so excited that this will be the start of a series- I can't wait to explore this world more! This is also not to mention that there are other countries which seem equally fascinating in this alternate world which are not fully explored (hopefully in future books?).

I highly recommend this story to anyone looking for a beautiful romance and fantasy adventure. This is the start of a series that is sure to engage and fascinate. While the first half of the story seemed to move a little slowly as we are introduced to these countries and prejudices, the second half really picked up and absolutely had me voraciously turning the pages as I could not get enough! I have no doubt that future books will be equally engaging, and I can't wait to read them. If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I absolutely would.

Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Overall, Song of Blood and Stone is an enjoyable YA fantasy read. The story premise is interesting, and the cast of characters promotes diversity, which is wonderful. Yes, it was predictable at times, but not in a way that left me rolling my eyes, and I was pleased to see the author shy away from the dreaded YA love triangle. I would have liked to have read a little more explanation about how the magic side of things works; nevertheless, the main reason this book got four stars and not five from me was the ending. It felt really rushed. Knowing this was the first in a series, I expected a cliffhanger, and there is a kind of one in the epilogue, but the main action of the plot resolves. However, it does so very suddenly and partially off-page, which didn't appeal to me. We were in the middle of a tense scene, but then the next chapter started with another character arriving to find the bad guy captured and all well etc. It would have been more dramatic to show this happening, rather than just telling us about it afterwards. Still, this book has fun, diverse characters, an interesting story idea that blends fantasy and fairytale, and easy-reading prose, so I can recommend it to fans of this genre.

I am giving this e-galley a three star review because I didn’t get into it as much as I had hoped. There were many great qualities to this novel. The beginning was amazing, great worldbuilding. The chapters were quite long but that isn’t a big deal.
Jasminda and jack were adorable I loved them.
I do wish we got too meet more of her family and twins.
I will definitely attempt more books from this author. The writing was unique and did I loved Jasminda. Such a strong female heroine.

A fun YA read full of magic and romance. Nothing outside of the pretty typical, but I enjoyed the world and people the author created.

This book is so well written, the characters, the setting, the magic. I love everything.

The setting, like in terms of fashion, was a little difficult to picture. Not a lot of detail was given for the types of dresses worn, or style of pants, but I assume it was possibly a Victorian era, maybe Edwardian era. They had things like motor vehicles, radios, and airships. I was picturing something like a zeppelin. So it was a little steampunk in that regard.

The characters were amazing, Jack and Jasminda are both wonderful characters, and all the supporting characters were also great. None of them really fell flat in any way for me. The romance between Jack and Jasminda was honestly one of the best parts of this book, it had a purity to it, and was just sweet, and based on trust and respect. The respect he has for her is not something often found in books.

The magic, while interesting and I love it, could use some clarifying. It's referred to as a Song, but I don't know what that means because there are times when people are using discreetly which makes me believe that it's not singing, but yeah I would like some clarifying. Still love it, even if I don't fully understand it.



The back story of the main plot was woven in beautifully. Told in small batches of folktales at the start of each chapter, and in flashbacks through a magic stone. Sounds weird, but it worked. I was able to piece together who the True Father and the Queen who Sleeps were before their big reveal at the end of the book. It was done on purpose, not in an annoying predictable way. At least not annoying in my opinion.



I am even more excited to read the sequel now than I was before. This is a pretty fantastic book.

The cover captured my attention and I had seen the great reviews readers had given the book so I was already interested. Unfortunately, it didn't hit the mark for me. I would recommend it to readers - particularly as YA or YA for adults - that read SFF and, specifically, as a black/racially diverse SFF title. I can see why it appeals to a lot of readers.

I saw the striking cover and read the synopsis and thought oh goody a fantasy romance that sounds right up my street. Well having finished the book I still think it will appeal to those looking for romance and those who like to read about fantastical magic lands although honestly I did find certain things puzzling at times.
Jasminda lives alone in an isolated cabin when a freak storm brings soldiers and their prisoner to her home seeking shelter. Jasminda feels a strange kinship to the injured Jack and helps him to escape his captors and I can't deny that there's chemistry between them. Jasminda had mixed parentage and her father might have been a son of Lagrimar where 'singers' connect magically to the elements but her mother was born in Elsira a land that fears 'singers'. In order to save her home Jasminda needs to travel to land of her very much alive grandfather so teaming up with Jack makes sense. Jack needs her help though as he's trying to stop evil from overrunning Elsira and the power Jasminda has inside her could unlock secrets but there's a lot Jack hasn't told Jasminda!
If I'm blunt I much preferred the second half of the book as it had a much better pace. I'm unfortunately confused though about the world building and struggled to imagine the time or even what type of technology was available. Initially with the quite basic home of Jasminda I was imagining something simple as in a world without technology but then we are told there's electricity and radios not to mention guns ! Then weirdly the author introduced magic stones to communicate through which had me thinking of the now defunct Pebl phones which unfortunately had me laughing so yes the world building felt incomplete. Particularly when four wheel drive vehicles appeared and then we are told the royal prince has an airship and well you can probably see why I tried so had to believe everything but it just didn't gel in my head.
So Elsira reviles magic and Lagrimar embraces it and this book has the magical divide between the two lands crumbling away with the romance between Jasminda and Jack taking centre stage. Some things are quite predictable but I honestly didn't mind that . The dreams/ flashbacks Jasminda experiences do give quite a lot away but as this book ended I hasten to reassure my fellow readers that there's clearly still a lot to play for with evil not really defeated but plotting a new strategy!
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

4 Stars for Song of Blood & Stone

I had the pleasure of reading a slightly new edition Song of Blood & Stone through NetGalley. This book was initially self-published but was so acclaimed it is now being republished under St. Martin's Press. Set in an alternative 1920's universe, the story follows Jasminda, an outcast due to racial and magical heritage. She lives alone with only the memories of her family. Hated by the Elsirans and feared by the Lagrimar for her Earthsong (a magical skill that allows her to cross the border between the two countries). Despite this, Jasminda is a strong, independent but also empathetic woman.

Jasminda's luck turns when she saves a wounded Elsiran spy, Jack from death. The connection is instant - and I truly mean instant- between the two souls. Their passion is conveyed in some very steamy passages. But while Jack and Jasminda's relationship builds it is threatened by the possibility of war between the two countries. Jasminda and Jack must set off to find a way to prevent the war. Their relationship and faith is tested throughout the journey and love prevails.

This was a delightful read full of elemental magic and world building. Their romance is a major focal point of the story but I don't think it deters from it. If you love your fantasy novels with some romance, then definitely give this a shot.

Jasminda has never fit in and now is faced with losing her family farm when a wounded soldier comes her way. He isnt alone. As the enemy soldiers come after them she will learn that her magic and her life will be tied to this man she thinks is only a soldier but he has secrets all his own and their world is facing showdown with evil. A fun fantasy book.

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!

SONG OF BLOOD AND STONE is a true fantasy with the churning depth of history, humanity, and love. Intense, riveting, and spinning a tale that will have your heart captivated, this book is one for every fantasy lover’s shelves.
-pooled ink

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was refreshing to see a beautiful woman of color as the main character. L.Penelope did a wonderful job with the character development in this book and made me want to find out more about them as I read. It was also refreshing to have a book set in the timeline of the 20's that isn't your typical flapper story. It was nice to see a different world set in my favorite time. The only issue I had was I like my love stories to be a little less perfect. I love to see the flaws in relationships and the struggles that a couple has to go through to get to where they are. I felt like in Song of Blood & Stone the romance was so absolutely perfect that it almost felt unbelievable to me. Other than that little misstep for me, this book was a joy to read. The premise, characters, and the world had me wanting more.

The Song of Blood and Stone is a beautiful slow paced romance novel with aspects of fantasy in it.

In an alternative reality where magic exists, Jasminda, our main character, is an outcast, both because of the color of her skin and her magical abilities. Her whole family has been outcasts because of her parents’ interracial marriage, and now that they are gone, Jasminda is used to being alone. Then one day, Jasminda helps a wounded man, Jack, and her life is changed forever.

As I said before, The Song of Blood and Stone is a romance novel, with romance being the primary plot of the book. Everything else, the magic system and world building is secondary. It is incredibly sweet, with a perfect man, loads of steamy passages and just a pleasant story. I just wanted more, more about the magic, more about the world and Jasminda’s family…just a more flashed out fantasy novel.

I would recommend this book for anyone who loves sweet love stories, diversity and is looking for an uncomplicated, straight forward read.

What I liked: This book is beautifully written with great world building, an exciting premise, and all right elements to make a book compelling. I loved the diversity, the complex relationships, the magic in this book. The cliff hanger makes me what to read the next book to discover what will happen.

What I didn't like: The romance went from 0-100 way too fast. And there are several sex scenes which I skipped after I realized what I was reading. The book would have been much better if they had taken that part of their relationship slowly. Or if it wasn't explicitly explained. This feels very mature for a YA book.

Stars 3.5
REVIEW (Song of Blood and Stone by L. Penelope)

If you are a fan of Fantasy then this will be an excellent read for you. It is a beautifully written tale that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end. The world buildup is clear an concise allowing the reader to fully envision the environment surrounding the strong well developed characters. I was pleasantly surprised by the storyline which I found exciting and not predictable at all. I very much look forward to seeing how this series progresses.

I Was given this book free via NetGalley in return for a voluntary honest review. My opinions are My own. Regards Anna