I loved the world building in this story so far. The way that Lan and Zen's backgrounds are unveiled come across quite naturally. Lan's character is easy to root for since she continues to be motivate throughout her hardships. I like the mystery behind Zen's character and how he leans toward being more morally grey at times. The ending definitely sets up the next book well. The magic system is interesting to see, and I would like to see more direct combat between magicians using metal magic and the practitioners with their more traditional style. Overall, I'm excited to see how Zhao continues this series.

Being the start of a new series, there is a lot to learn about this world, so much of the book deals with explanations and the flow of magic. At times, the latter becomes redundant. There is interesting worldbuilding alongside commentary on colonization. The book also retains Zhao's descriptive style, which allowed me to easily immerse myself into the story. Despite liking the story and the characters, I was not fond of the pacing and the story sometimes dragged.

Zhao writes of wanting “to be a blade,” and successfully creates Yan and other female characters as such, although Yan still has ways to go. While Yan is being shaped into a blade, certain pivotal scenes that would show Yan as one fade to black. This was also common with the battles, which I was often disappointed with. Not only were they not detailed enough, they often occurred off the pages with just a few lines about the aftermath.

While I might have jumped between books when trying to finish this one, I still liked the story. I want to know what happens to Yan and Zen, so I will definitely be picking up the next one. (3.5 stars rounded to 4 stars)

Oh, I enjoy this sweet fantasy novel. I really enjoyed seeing LAN through her eyes as she goes from a struggling dancer to fleeing for her life. She doesn’t know anything in her past except for her mother’s murder. She runs into Zen expectedly who changes her life by saving her and escaping with her. They go on a journey where Lan is trying to remember her past and has been totally honest where Zen has not been. The finally reached their destination, a very secret s school and sanctuary. They learn more of dreams, magics and powers. Zen has irritated me a lot with his poor decisions and secrets. The ending was most definitely a cliff hanger. I’ll just have to wait and see what the second book will bring.
The beginning was strong then the story line will have ups and downs. This isn’t a fast paced book if this is what you’re looking for. Three and half stars from me.
Thank you, Delacorte Press for this sweet ARC ebook. As usual, all of my reviews are purely my own opinions without any influence from any publisher.

Not your easy-relax-turn off your brain fantasy (trust me I know. I tried to read this during covid and almost died from the awesome overload.) This is a Chinese mythology intersecting intersecting with cultural assimilation and colonialism, tied together with a mind stabbing mystery and living breathing characters. Well they’re not living and breathing, but they may as well be with how perfect they are written. If all these benchmarks that the best of books sometimes fail to meet aren’t enough, then the love story between Lan and Zen will leave your heart quivering! The world building will keep your mind spinning. And what can I say, I just enjoyed it!
If you want epic fantasy that surpasses cliché story settings and plot devices, you will love this!

Song of Silver, Flame like Night hit on a lot of C-Drama vibes. The 4 Demon Gods a darker take on the cardinal animals was a really different take. The story content and and tone land. Both MCs are looking for revenge and eventually redemption after finding power. But they learn the high cost of this in the brutality of actual war. Thought it was a one off so the ending threw me a bit, but it was good and it will be interesting to see the further conflict of the powers at the end.

What a great start to a new series. The story and the writing were gorgeous and haunting. I loved the Chinese folklore aspect and the demons. Lan was a complex character that I immediately connected to. The love story was also sweet, tender and believable. I cannot wait to read more from this author.

4/5 stars, gorgeous cover & lovely story to match

Thank you to Random House Children's for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

There was so much hype surrounding this book as it was coming out that I was so surprised to see that I got an arc on netgalley, but I was so excited to start it. I am very glad to say that this book didn't disappoint and was a really gorgeous and interesting book. Because of how much I enjoyed this book, I am really looking forward to reading Amelie Wen Zhao's other books, especially as I own The Blood Heir. It has definitely moved up my physical tbr.

My favorite thing about this book was probably the worldbuilding, I love discovering and experiencing new magic systems and I felt that this was really unique. There was a lot to take in for this magic system though, and sometimes I was a bit confused so that's one reason it wasn't a complete favorite for me. But now that all this magic and worldbuilding, by a very descriptive writing style I must say, has been expressed and created I believe it will be easier to understand in the coming books. Another thing I really enjoyed about this book was how quickly the plot picked up, even from the first few chapters very important things were happening while still allowing the reader to absorb information about the two main characters. That being said, the chapters sometimes felt a little long, but it wasn't something that hindered my enjoyment too much as I was so interested in everything happening.

Lan is the first main character that is introduced, working as a song girl in a teahouse and a city transformed by the conquerors. She has a strange mark that was burned onto her arm by her mother before she died and will give anything to figure out what it means, and tries to seek out relics of the past to help her understand it. She meets Zen, the other character when he saves her life and understands the mark on her arm signals a power she hasn't focused herself on before. Zen is a practitioner, a fabled musician from the Lost Kingdom rumored to draw power from the demons that they commune with. Both of them, especially with all the secrets they held, were very interesting characters and I think a very good balance to one another. I liked both of their traits, Lan was compassionate but not afraid to fight for herself and Zen was very similar, but exhibited these traits in a softer or more secluded way.

The connection that began to be built up between Lan and Zen was also really interesting, not just because it appeared to be a slow-burn romance. Zen was the person who saw in Lan what other people did not, the fire of someone who had nothing left to lose. They bonded over this, even if it was not explicitly said, and I loved how their friendship evolved and how they helped one another. I am looking forward to reading more of them in future books as well.

Overall, I am really looking forward to continue reading this series in the future as I think this was a really solid start for both the world and the characters. The cover is just as stunning as the story inside, and while I've heard less about this since the release I think it's definitely a book that every fantasy fan should check out. Especially if you enjoy Chinese folklore and mythology or exploring new mythologies.

[TW: physical beatings mentioned, physical assault and sexual assault threat, blood and gore, murder, parental abandonment, death of parents]

I really enjoyed novel based on Chinese Folklore and inspired by China’s Century of Humiliation. Despite not being familiar with this event of Chinese Folklore I still found the story to be fascinating and engaging. I was immediately drawn to Lan and her mysterious past. I found that the more Lan discovered about herself and the truth behind why her mother died and the mark she left on her, the more invested and intrigued I became in both her and the greater story as a whole.

I found the world building to be so wonderfully plotted out and portrayed that as I was reading I could easily see everything that was being described and felt as though it was a world both familiar and fantastical all the same. I especially enjoyed learning about the differences between the magic used by hose of the Last Kingdom and the Elantians. I loved how the two magic systems were opposites of one another and a great example of the Yin and Yang principle which is found throughout the book.

Between the amazing and well crafted characters, to the descriptive language and the magic systems, I cannot wait for the final book in this duology to come out. Amélie’s writing was so engaging from the start that I look forward to reading her Blood Heir trilogy while I wait for to find out what happens in the final book in this duology.

This was a really good fantasy read, there was enough in the world to get me stuck in, but sometimes I felt the plot and pace slipping beneath me. I enjoyed how the characters acted and felt, but there could have been more depth to them in my opinion…

Actual rating: 4.5/5 stars. But definitely more towards the 5 star than the 4 star range, so I rounded up. I felt like it deserved it.

Thank you to netgalley for sending me this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Now, onto the exciting stuff. This book was good like, GOOD good. I would even go as far as saying it was excellent. It still didn't quite pull from this dispassionate funk I am stuck in towards books, or just stories in general. But that is on ME. This book is absolutely made up of all the things I've loved in books. The writing is absolutely beautiful, with a natural and easy flow, making for a fluid reading experience. The pacing never lacked, nor was it overwhelming. The plot held my interest and was full of intrigue and sorrow and excitement and curiosity. And the two MCs have my heart. Very very good book.

I want book two now! This story had so much of everything: found family, mystery, magic. I want to know what happens to the characters and how they will move through the next phase in the story.

Zhao did a great job of weaving in the mystery behind the magical powers set in this world. I want to know what happens with the main character and if we'll find out more about her past in the next book.

Thank you to the publisher for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this.
It had everything I love in a story and was beautifully written.

Lan is the main character who starts the book off by looking for answers about a seal on her arm that has been there since her mother died. She's struggling for answers and soon begins to piece things together when she meets Zen.

This book wove magic, intrigue and a few twists that I didn't see coming, together so well.

I ended up buying this book in a physical hardback edition just because I like the cover. I am reading it after my current read so the review for the ebook arc is soon to come!

DNF @54%

SONG has a premise that picked my interest: a practitioner's seal, uncanny connection to qui, undeniable bond between master and student (practitioner school), lost magic, buried secrets and Xianxia vibes.

Unfortunately it didn't really work for me. The pacing was slow (I usually don't mind because of world building) but halfway through and I was still expecting something to effectively happen. Some parts were boring and I cared less for the characters (okay, perhaps I liked a bit the male lead). The writing is fluffy and I would have loved more substance.

Marketed as Xianxia, don't expect these vibes - it was quite disappointing (I would recommend 'Celestial Kingdom' duology instead). That being said, I love reading the Chinese mythological aspects.

Maybe I would give this series another try.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review~

3.5/5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars

Character - 7/10
While really enjoyed how the characters interacted together, at the end of the day, I don't feel like we really got to learn all that much about anyone. They all seemed a little surface level. It's very possible this will be addressed in the sequel though, which I have high hopes for. I do like Zen and Lan as a dynamic duo. And I liked how Lan and Dilaya's relationship changes as the book progresses, it was a bit of a feel-good moment towards the end.

Atmosphere - 7/10
I like this setting quite a lot, but without the map it would have been very confusing. If someone asked me to explain with any detail, anything about any of the locations.. I would struggle. Although, it isn't super essential to know your way around each of the areas.

Writing - 6/10
I enjoyed Amelie's writing, especially knowing this is a YA fantasy. The writing is a little more elementary, but that's to be expected. It kept me engaged and there were no drastic flow issues with the story.

Plot - 7/10
While the plot isn't entirely unique, this book reminded me a lot of The Keeper of Night, but with Chinese folklore versus Japanese. Amelie kept me on my toes as I really wasn't able to guess what could happen next. Zen's story arc was about the only thing that I had a feeling about. Ya just can't trust these boys to tell you the truth, I swear!

Intrigue - 5/10
I was able to be immersed while I was reading it, but I didn't have any strong compulsions to pick it up when I had free time. I will most likely be picking up the second one in the series, solely because of the twists at the end.

Logic/World Building - 8/10
I think the "magic" system in the book was probably the most fully comprehensible part of the book. While the Demon Gods and their pacts were a bit confusing, I think they really added a different element to the story. And being able to incorporate their weapons to work with qi was a fun touch.

Enjoyment - 7/10
At the end of the day, I'm glad I read this book. While I won't be shouting from the rooftops about it, I will recommend it to anyone that likes stories with a lot of twists and turns and characters you love to hate

Total Score 6.71/10 or 3.5/5 stars!

I was so excited for this one! It sounded absolutely amazing, but sadly I was not a fan. I was so confused in the beginning and I feel like I was trying to play catch up the whole time. I also couldn't stand the characters. They were so flat and annoying to me. Overall not the best book I've read, but I think my students would enjoy it.

A very in-depth world with influences from Chinese mythology and a complex magical system.

For a YA fantasy, it was too slow for my tastes with too many info dumps and lengthy explanations. I did enjoy the school setting and training in the first half of the book. But after we venture into the world with our protagonist, Lan, it was a change that felt disjointed. Lan is the typical YA fantasy strong main character and not super unique. Overall, I loved the bargaining with demons, hidden magical powers, and the romance with a certain magician.

Song of Silver, Flame Like Night is the story of a conquered people. Those who survived the initial invasion faced the destruction of their culture and banishment of their language. Even their names have been lost. A few find ways to take advantage of the upheaval, but most keep their heads down, doing what they must to stay alive.

When Lan is first introduced, she’s working as a song girl, a job that provides meals and shelter, but little else. In the book's first pages, she shows herself as a scrappy risk-taker, a fighter who still has hope.

I loved Lan and this world of spirits, ghosts, and soul-consuming demons. Zhao has a talent for world building. Each setting was rendered in vivid detail. I could feel the oppression of the city, the creepiness of an abandoned town, and the peaceful freedom within the School of the White Pines.

The author has also developed two different magic systems. Hin magic draws from the world’s natural energies, and its practitioners value balance. Elantian magic draws from metals, taking a natural element and twisting it into something unnatural and monstrous.

Song of Silver, Flame Like Night joins other recent books in its criticism of colonization and forced assimilation. But it also examines the influence of national and personal histories on present-day actions. Both main characters, Lan and Zen, must decide what they owe their ancestors. Have their destinies been passed on to them by previous generations? Must they follow the path their families have set forth?

With so much of the world and the characters already strongly established, I suspect that the story’s pace will pick up in the next book. And I can’t wait!

Thank you to Delacorte Press, Random House Children’s Books, and NetGalley for providing this ARC.

Thank you to Delacorte Press and Netgalley for my review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was anticipating this so much, I actually ended up with physical and digital arc copies of this book. Thankfully, I was not disappointed!! I saw the amazing Amélie Wen Zhao doing a panel and I knew I had to get my hands on this book.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters, the complexities of the qi/magic they use, the journey they take to try and save their kingdom, and Lan's quest to find out her history.

The writing and the imagery that was created was so good and while I don't know much about Chinese mythology (yet), I enjoyed learning some of it through this story.

The problem I have is that I now have to wait for the sequel. WHY?!

I'd give this a 4-4.5.

2.5 stars

This book starts out quite slow, but picks up in the last 150-200 pages. Overall, I admire the ambition, but I don't think Song of Silver lives up to its potential. Part of this is because I find Amelie's writing style to be over-descriptive of sensory details, slow-paced and also more plot-centric than character-centric. The other part is that I feel the book spends too much time overexplaining (to the extent it feels like hand-holding) simple concepts repeatedly rather than focusing on the unique aspects of the fantasy world (the Si Xiang/four mythological beasts as demons that must be sealed).

It's understandable that some readers might not be familiar with qi and cultivation or xianxia and wuxia genre conventions. But like HALF the book felt like paragraphs about yin and yang and qi and balance.

Positives:
- Shanjun is best boy and I hope he ain't gone. Wish we had more of him and Tai. DILAYA IS MY QUEEN.

- Once we actually got to demon god lore the book actually made sense. I don't really mind that the Si Xiang are ~demons~ in this universe because at least it made me pay attention to the plot after not caring for approximately 300 pages.

- I really got on board when master Nan had their "this is the land of Ten Thousand Flowers" speech about unity and blah blah. It was a very touching scene. I wish the beginning of the book weren't so disconnected from it because it felt like a huge slog until the unity vibes and "SHIFU I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU" feels paid off.

- I think this book definitely has some serious Zutara vibes based on Lan's backstory.

Negatives
Regarding the pacing and character writing:
Most of the characters don't break their archetypal mold (or it takes a long time to get there). I get that after finishing the book the character arcs for Lan and Zen are actually very slow burn. The first 60-70% of the book honestly felt like filler because Lan and Zen were so boring. I think Song of Silver took too long in the beginning to set up their character arcs that it felt like filler. When the plot finally starts rolling at a break-neck speed, it can feel like whiplash because suddenly the book wants to convince you there was a character arc for 500 pages when really it was more like 300 of running from Elantians and eating pork buns and then like 150 pages of character development at the end.

On the treatment of Dilaya:
I don't know why Lan is constantly antagonizing Dilaya because Dilaya is so cool??? I get annoyed when reviews complain about "omg the girls are fighting this is misogyny" beacuse the girls don't have to like or agree with each other BUT I found Lan's attitude towards Dilaya soooo annoying. Ulara and Dilaya would be so cool if they weren't assigned haughty mean girl mom and daughter duo. They're good guys in the end so yay. Lan's attitude here felt so unnecessary.

Worldbuilding:
As I said previously, there is so much overexplaining of qi, yin and yang energy and cultivation, etc. ad nauseum for the worldbuilding. To me, it was super stereotypical and eyeroll-inducing. (Also pet peeve "yin" being evil??? Nah, even the book itself contradicts that explicitly but idk why some passages say yin and yang are evil and good respectively etc etc). Once the story shifted focus to the 4 demon gods, things got more tolerable in this department.

Translation of CN terms
The inconsistent translation/pinyin of Chinese terms. Probably only bugs me because there are so many "cha is tea" moments when it comes to how pinyin is used. I didn't need to have every title (nainai, jiejie, shifu, ge, etc.) stated and then immediately repeated for translation. On the other hand, the book uses "stupid egg" as a literal translation of ben dan (= idiot) and "dog fart" as a literal translation for gou pi (= bullshit) which I don't think most Anglo readers would catch on to and it's just an awkward way to convey that this story is ~Chinese~. There's no way to please everyone when it comes to translation choices, so it's really at the author's discretion how she wants to approach things. The way it is in Song of Silver kinda of distracts from the rest of the story because you'll get paragraphs upon paragraphs overexplaining yin and yang and dao that more or less communicate the same thing every time.

Random pet peeves:
I'm sorry but you could do without the "I am your father" moment with Dezi.