My Book Review of Songs of the Dead By Brandon Sanderson and Peter Orullian: book one of the Strata wars. The book was provided by NetGalley for an honest Review

Songs of the Dead is a new Novel in a New series called The Strata Wars by Brandon Sanderson and Peter Orullian where the novel still carries the unmistakable storytelling and weaving of Sanderson with his tight pacing, inventive world building, and a focus on characters wrestling with moral and emotional tension. It does not have the epic scale of The Stormlight Archive or the intricate magic systems of Mistborn, it gives a more inside, haunting narrative that pulls you into the story and the characters in a different way. I believe that may be the influence of Peter Orullian. I definitely believe they are a match made in ‘Cosmere’ Pun intended ( though it is not a Cosmere novel just to be clear ) because the edgy more urban fiction style of writing gives us a different taste and story from Sanderson while enjoying the style Peter Orullian as well.
‘The Main Character is funny, witty, down right cool and lovable. Honestly a good hearted guy that has to protect those around him after losing someone close to him. While learning what the Strata is and how he is involved with it.
I read this in the Hospital with my Father during his diagnosis with Acute Myeloid Leukemia which ultimately lead to his passing within a moth of entering the hospital due to the severity of the ‘Blast Cells that cause Acute Myeloid Leukemia, after an infection that would not go away Chemotherapy was taken away as an option. It hit home a lot closer than I thought, it was the perfect book to read at the time to pull me through what was going on. Because of that I do not want to give any story spoilers. I want you to enjoy the story for yourself and I challenge you to read it. It is in my opinion a masterpiece.’
The main story focuses on a grim, almost post-apocalyptic setting where death isn’t the end and voices of the dead linger, influencing and seducing the living in subtle and unsettling ways. Sanderson and Orullian use this premise not just as a fantasy hook, but as a way to explore the theme of memory, grief and the burden of unresolved pasts. The “songs” themselves being literal echoes of the dead become symbolic, representing and the emotional weight carried by the protagonist.
What stands out most is Sanderson’s restraint or how he changed his perspective on storytelling for this novel by keeping the focus squarely on the character’s internal struggle; he focused more on character building and delivers just enough world building to make the setting feel real. The prose is clean and efficient. There is an emotional undercurrent that gives the story depth. It is less about spectacle and more about atmosphere.
With all of that said, readers of Songs of the Dead expecting the complexity of Sanderson’s larger works could find this story straightforward or brief however also find it fun and refreshing. The magic system of the Strata is a little vague, I believe by intention and the plot resolves quickly. However that simplicity is also part of the strength of the story; the story reads almost like a dark tale rather than an epic adventure


Songs of the Dead is a compelling, short work that shows Sanderson’s versatility and ability to demonstrate his range as an author. As a reader rather than seeking a grand adventure go in knowing you will appreciate it as a reflective and slightly eerie tale that is fun and intriguing. For fans of Sanderson it gives us a quieter part of his mind and storytelling range; for newcoming readers it’s a perfect opportunity to jump on the Sanderson bandwagon as an overall thought-provoking entry point.

A Special Thank you to NetGalley for the Advanced Reading Copy and the opportunity to give my review and opinion on this fascinating tale by Brandon Sanderson and Peter Orullian.

A special thank you to both Brandon Sanderson and Peter Orullian as well for the opportunity to help grieve through reading this book. Great work! I cannot wait for book Two to see how the story continues!

I absolutely LOVED this book. It was such a nice break from my romantasy kick and absolutely loved diving into this new world. I would highly recommend this to anyone!

This was a really fun read. I like that it had the sanderson feel but also Peter's writing really shines as well.

"We have a plan to keep our world the way it is. But before it's over, we may have to defend this place. I think that I may not make it through."

The dead and the living revolt as the present clashes with the past. Welcome to the Strata Wars.

Songs of the Dead is due for release on June 16, 2026.

Sanderson teamed up with writer and musician Peter Orullian to create an enchanting fantasy novel filled with music and magic. It is the first book of a trilogy in the making. The next two installments will be written exclusively by Orullian. "Strata" are seven magical, physical layers of past eras that exist directly beneath modern London. These layers represent major historical turning points, stacked beneath the city, populated by spirits, and accessible by thanaturgists (necromancers).

Jack Solomon and his friend Henry are murdered, but Jack is far from dead. He awakens to a new, strange world where he is now a thanaturgist and being hunted. He seeks refuge at Henry's bar, Iron Horse, which is like his second home. Not only is he an employee, but his band played shows there. He considers Henry and the rest of the Iron Horse patrons his family. But the bar was holding secrets, and when Jack sets out to find who killed him and Henry, these secrets are revealed. Jack is plunged into a hidden world of spirits, magic, and a sinister society. To survive, he must master the power of music and light before time runs out.

I thought this was a super creative concept for a novel. The book operates as both a narrative and an informative text, striking a balance between an educational manual and a story with a heavy, reference-packed musical atmosphere. At times, it was even reminiscent of a musical play. The characters could be doing pretty much anything and then suddenly break out into song. lol So true. This tale also features a unique combat system. The characters battle it out using a lantern and a bow, manipulating light with music. This is a solid read for fantasy fans, even better if you're a music lover!

“Songs of the Dead is a long-time passion project of mine that I’m eager to finally see emerge from the shadows. Peter is the ideal steward of the series. I’m pleased to have found someone to give the story to, and am excited to see what he does with it in the coming years.” -Sanderson

A big Thank You to NetGalley and Saga Press for gifting me this advanced copy. It was an absolute pleasure to read and review this book.