Morrow does a brilliant job including current events and activism in a mythical low fantasy that is well thought out. The background for the characters is interesting and their character arcs are believable and genuine

A Chorus Rises, the sequel to Bethany C. Morrow's A Song Below Water, tells the story of Naema, an Eloko who up until now has had a pretty perfect life. In the year since the events of A Song Below Water, however, things have not gone as well for Naema. Needing to get away from Portland, Naema goes to visit family for the first time, and discovers new abilities she never knew she had.

Naema is not the most sympathetic character in A Song Below Water, and A Chorus Rises does an excellent job of making her extremely relatable while not undermining any of the characteristics that define her. The novel also introduces some truly wonderful new characters, such as Naema's cousin Courtney, while providing further depth to characters only mentioned in passing in A Song Below Water.

A Chorus Rises is much more internal than A Song Below Water -- much of the novel's action takes place within Naema's thoughts. It is a smaller novel overall by page count as well as in its scope -- the stakes feel lower, the tension not running at high.

Morrow continues to explore intersectionality with great success, managing to avoid using magic as a metaphor for race, a trope fantasy novels too often fall into, by having the race issues integral to the plot and character development. This is not a world where magic exists instead of race -- it is a world where magic is yet another identity that has to be taken into consideration right alongside race.

The ending of A Chorus Rises falls a little flat, but overall the book is a fantastic continuation of this world and this story, and anyone who liked A Song Below Water is sure to enjoy A Chorus Rises.

Thank you to Tor Teen and NetGalley for the ARC!

Firstly, that cover is so beautiful 😍 I loved this, just as good as a song below water. I loved the characters and would definitely recommend this book!

Thank you Netgally for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I did not read the first book of Bethany C. Morrow, A song below water, but I decided to go ahead and read this one as it was presented as taking place in the same universe, but not a sequel. I will say that the start of the book was a bit confusing, so I now think that reading the first book might have helped with the required prior knowledge. Having said that, I absolutely loved the book.
This is the story of Naema Bradshaw, a Portland Eloko who is a famous influencer. The book starts with an event that causes Naema to become a bit of a persona non grata in her city, she calls it ‘Upside Down Portland.’ Nothing is at it was before. She is no longer the most famous, loved, celebrated, and sought after magical being. Her place has been taken by a siren, Tavia, the person who caused Naema the most pain and suffering. How did the victim become the villain? Read the book and find out?
I loved the characters and their interactions. Naema starts by reading like a spoilt princess who gets everything she sets her mind do, who is mean to her friends and not too nice to her boyfriend. She is suffering and feels like everyone has abandoned her and does not believe her side of the story. She is however a strong-willed person who will not allow her story to be told by her enemies. She will take control of the narrative. As the story unfolds, she grows up and develops, as an Eloko and as a black girl. She struggles to set and define herself. Is she Eloko first or black girl first? Her inner turmoil is present, and her growth is obvious.
I have very much enjoyed this book and I will go back and read the first one as well.

As a result of my various committee appointments and commitments I am unable to disclose my personal thoughts on this title at this time. Please see my star rating for a general overview of how I felt about this title. Additionally, you may check my GoodReads for additional information on what thoughts I’m able to share publicly. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this and any other titles you are in charge of.

A Song Below Water was one of my favorite books I read last year, so I was excited to read this companion and it did not disappoint! I wasn't sure how I felt about the focus being on Naema, but I soon relaxed in the author's expert hands and went with it. I really love and appreciate the fact that Naema is flawed and wrong about a lot of things, but she's still likeable and relatable even before her redemption arc really gets going. Morrow's refusal to fall back on easy, rigid categories of right and wrong creates space for the characters and readers to really explore the ideas at play.

I get why this book is being presented as a companion rather than a sequel, but I definitely think readers will be confused if they haven't read ASBW.

I didn’t realise this one was the second in a series and as a result I was very confused by most of what was happening. Therefore, I don’t feel qualified to give it a star rating since though I enjoyed the book I think I’d have a stronger opinion if I knew what had happened before. So I’ll refrain from a star rating but thank you for the opportunity to read this, I enjoyed it a lot. I just can’t give an accurate rating without background.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I adored every minute of this book. I was nervous at first because I wasn’t sure how I was going to like a book from Naema’s perspective, but holy shit it blew me away at every turn. The character development is impeccable. The family relationships??? PHENOMENAL. This book thrives in a land where I am consistently impressed with Bethany C Morrow and fully willing to give all my dollars to her with every new release. Literally she took a character that I wasn’t sure about from the first book and made her in to someone I not only could relate to, but that I CARED ABOUT. Naema really grew on me, and I’m in love with her family and friends and every moment of her story. This one is one to watch. 5/5

Bethany has done it again. A CHORUS RISES is a wonderful story filled with self-discovery and empowerment. Trials and tribulations of the young. I have been a fan of Bethany's since A SONG BELOW WATER, and her next novel doesn't disappoint. The plot. Characters. Stakes. There is so much to unpack in this AMAZING story. I HIGHLY recommend A CHORUS RISES. Don't miss out!

First off this cover is just so beautiful! Absolutely gorgeous.
This story was one for the books.
I was interested in the setting of this book! And let me say it did not disappoint.
This was a beautifully well written read. Bethany out did herself here.
Amazing read.

Ny, a major influencer in the Portland magic network, suffered a traumatic event at the hands of another, and is then vilified for it. She must face the loss of her followers, her friends, and herself. As she struggles to find a way to heal she must make a number of tough decisions along the way - does she get vengeance, or does she get justice?

This magical story is a little confusing in the beginning. There is a lot of backstory that must be shared in order to understand the situation our protagonist finds herself in. That said, it comes together beautifully, and is a lovely, haunting read. Major questions are faced by Ny, including who she really is. This is a story of black girl magic, discovering yourself, and learning that sometimes it isn't about you were, but who you are now.

This is a story that sticks with you long after you are done.

I like the name naema. There was a lot going on and couldn't get interested. The descriptions were ok but everything was a bit much. The pace and characters was okay. Okay read