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A Song of Wraiths and Ruin Hardcover – 9 July 2020
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An instant New York Times bestseller!
The first in a gripping fantasy duology inspired by West African folklore in which a grieving crown princess and a desperate refugee find themselves on a collision course to murder each other despite their growing attraction—from debut author Roseanne A. Brown. This New York Times bestseller is perfect for fans of Tomi Adeyemi, Renée Ahdieh, and Sabaa Tahir.
For Malik, the Solstasia festival is a chance to escape his war-stricken home and start a new life with his sisters in the prosperous desert city of Ziran. But when a vengeful spirit abducts his younger sister, Nadia, as payment to enter the city, Malik strikes a fatal deal—kill Karina, Crown Princess of Ziran, for Nadia’s freedom.
But Karina has deadly aspirations of her own. Her mother, the Sultana, has been assassinated; her court threatens mutiny; and Solstasia looms like a knife over her neck. Grief-stricken, Karina decides to resurrect her mother through ancient magic . . . requiring the beating heart of a king. And she knows just how to obtain one: by offering her hand in marriage to the victor of the Solstasia competition.
When Malik rigs his way into the contest, they are set on a heart-pounding course to destroy each other. But as attraction flares between them and ancient evils stir, will they be able to see their tasks to the death?
"Magic creates a centuries-long divide between peoples in this stunning debut novel inspired by North African and West African folklore. An action-packed tale of injustice, magic, and romance, this novel immerses readers in a thrilling world and narrative reminiscent of Children of Blood and Bone." (Publishers Weekly, "An Anti-Racist Children's and YA Reading List")
Don't miss the second book in this epic duology, A Psalm of Storms and Silence!
- Print length480 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherBalzer + Bray
- Publication date9 July 2020
- Grade level8 - 9
- Reading age13 - 17 years
- Dimensions13.97 x 3.68 x 20.96 cm
- ISBN-100062891499
- ISBN-13978-0062891495
- Lexile measure960L
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HarperCollins was founded by brothers James and John Harper in New York City in 1817 as J. and J. Harper, later Harper & Brothers. In 1987, as Harper & Row, it was acquired by News Corporation. The worldwide book group was formed following News Corporation's 1990 acquisition of the British publisher William Collins & Sons. Founded in 1819, William Collins & Sons published a range of Bibles, atlases, dictionaries, and reissued classics, expanding over the years to include legendary authors such as H. G. Wells, Agatha Christie, J. R. R. Tolkien, and C. S. Lewis.
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Review
“An explosive, stunning fantasy debut… Brown’s world building is diverse and brimming with political intrigue, magic, and a burgeoning romance in the best of ways. Notably, Brown uses a lush fantasy backdrop to poignantly discuss real-world issues.” — ALA Booklist (starred review)
“Revitalizing and exciting, Brown’s debut breathes life into ancient but still relevant folk stories.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“An action-packed tale of injustice, magic, and romance, this novel immerses readers in a thrilling world and narrative tantamount to that of Children of Blood and Bone.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“This epic story is brimming with trickster spirits, rich culture, and an organically developing romance that make every twist and turn more interesting than the last….Brown’s novel will easily fit on shelves next to other great West African–inspired fantasies like Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone and Ifueko’s Raybearer, and the ending makes it apparent that Malik and Karina’s story has (thankfully) only just begun."
— Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
“A supernatural love story inspired by West African folklore and dripping in political commentary and modern parallels.” — BookPage (starred review)
“Will leave readers wanting more.... This will appeal to those who love gentle male protagonists, strong female leads, and worlds filled with magic!” — School Library Journal
“Impressive world-building, beautiful writing, and surprising plot twists…. Perfect for fans of Tomi Adeyemi (Children of Blood and Bone), Sabaa Tahir (An Ember in the Ashes), and Tochi Onyebuchi (Beasts Made of Night).” — Horn Book Magazine
“A rapturous love story with wickedly delicious magic and bloody stakes, A Song of Wraiths and Ruin is a heart-racing epic that can’t be missed.” — Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Belles series
“A refreshing, immersive debut that should be on every fantasy lover’s shelf, A Song of Wraiths and Ruin introduces a dazzling new talent in Roseanne A. Brown” — Kiersten White, New York Times bestselling author of And I Darken
“With the heart-pounding action of Children of Blood and Bone, the magic of Spirited Away, and the twisty alluring intrigue of Game of Thrones, A Song of Wraiths and Ruin is a MASTERPIECE.” — Brittney Morris, author of SLAY
"A dazzling debut, sparkling with delicious magic, romance, and intrigue. Brown weaves a story that will sink its teeth into you and won't let go, even after the last page." — Swati Teerdhala, author of The Tiger at Midnight
"Set in a world of ancient magic, Brown spins a fantastical tale that is full of heart, adventure, and intrigue. Readers will delight in the lush details of a world and characters so vividly drawn that they leap off the page." — Rena Barron, author of Kingdom of Souls
About the Author
Roseanne A. Brown is an immigrant from the West African nation of Ghana and a graduate of the University of Maryland, where she completed the Jimenez-Porter Writers’ House program. Her work has been featured by Voice of America, among other outlets. A Song of Wraiths and Ruin is her debut novel. You can visit her online at roseanneabrown.com.
Product details
- Publisher : Balzer + Bray (9 July 2020)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 480 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0062891499
- ISBN-13 : 978-0062891495
- Reading age : 13 - 17 years
- Dimensions : 13.97 x 3.68 x 20.96 cm
- Best Sellers Rank: 514,915 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer reviews:
About the author
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Roseanne “Rosie” A. Brown was born in Kumasi, Ghana and immigrated to the wild jungles of central Maryland as a child. Writing was her first love, and she knew from a young age that she wanted to use the power of writing—creative and otherwise—to connect the different cultures she called home. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor’s in Journalism and was also a teaching assistant for the school’s Jiménez-Porter Writers’ House program. Her journalistic work has been featured by Voice of America among other outlets.
On the publishing side of things, she has worked as an editorial intern at Entangled Publishing. Rosie was a 2017 Pitch Wars mentee and 2018 Pitch Wars mentor. Never content to stay in any one place for too long, Rosie currently lives near Washington D.C., where in her free time she can usually be found singing to her dog, explaining memes to her elderly relatives, or thinking about Star Wars.
Rosie is represented by Patrice Caldwell of New Leaf Literary Media.
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers enjoyed the book's plot and world-building. They found the characters wonderful and the narrator added more life to the story. The setting was described as wonderful, with different cultures and history.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the plot. They find it interesting towards the end, full of myths and magic. The narrator's voice adds more life to the story. The world-building and magic are excellent, making it an exciting debut to a new duology. Readers appreciate the visual storytelling and passion in the characters.
"...The chemistry between the two of them is fantastic. There’s so much passion – both driven by what they think needs to be done...." Read more
"I have to say I really enjoyed reading this book, I thought that everything from the setting to the characters to the plot to the…cover design – ALL..." Read more
"...Song of Wraiths and Ruin is Brown’s fantasy debut and is inspired by West African folklore...." Read more
"The beginning of this book was absolutely phenomenal, Brown’s writing is just this style that can be labeled as the calligraphy of styles, it’s..." Read more
Customers enjoy the character development. They find Malik and Karina to be wonderful characters, even though they struggle.
"...crafted world, an intriguing forbidden magic, flawed yet perfect characters and a plot that leaves you gasping out loud...." Read more
"...I loved that so many characters were so complex and skirted the line between moral and immoral...." Read more
"...doesn’t mean I didn’t absolutely love the differences and variety in the characters...." Read more
"...Malik and Karina were wonderful characters to the point that their struggles and stories didn't feel like plot-beats but rather real events because..." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's cultural settings, including African folklore and a complex world imbued with history, magic, and secrets.
"...Brown creates a fantastically complex world, imbued with history, magic and secrets...." Read more
"...This setting was wonderful, the different cultures, the city itself, the magic, all of the details were there without feeling like worldbuilding was..." Read more
"...It is inspired by African folklore and I am absolutely going to make it a mission of mine to read up on African folklore and more folklore in general..." Read more
Reviews with images
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A very plot driven story!
Top reviews from United Kingdom
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- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 October 2021Everything about this book just screams yes! A fantastically crafted world, an intriguing forbidden magic, flawed yet perfect characters and a plot that leaves you gasping out loud. This had so many twists in it that to say I couldn’t put it down is an understatement. A highly recommended read.
To start, the characters. The narration is divided in two: Malik and Karina.
Malik is the typical underdog: poor background, helpless situation and a forced into an impossible deal to save someone he loves.
I wanted to protect Malik throughout. But you watch him grow in confidence, powers and start to finally understand his legacy and who he can be. His inner turmoil is presented so well: he’s anguished, but never in a self-pitying way.
Never before have I witnessed a character so consumed with anxiety and panic – then turn that to his advantage. It was such an empowering message: it didn’t define or weaken him, but just part of who he was.
If Malik is the underdog, Karina is the spoilt princess. She’s got away with doing what she wants (in an independent way, not spoilt) until her world falls apart. I love her stubbornness and the way she cares despite knowing she can’t afford to. She doesn’t shy away from what needs to be done, but neither is she ruthless and cold.
The chemistry between the two of them is fantastic. There’s so much passion – both driven by what they think needs to be done. The twists in their relationship literally have you on the edge of your seat.
While the characters make this book for me, they’re hardly the only well-crafted element. Brown creates a fantastically complex world, imbued with history, magic and secrets. I loved you never truly got a deep understanding of the magic – the characters didn’t know what they were capable of, why should the reader?
The pacing and tension balanced each other. It’s a slower, softer start while elements are being established. But there’s an undercurrent of danger from the start. This tension heightens with each chapter.
There’re twists along the way that, no kidding, made me gasp out loud. You think you know how things will play out due to the nature of the book – but you’re wrong. I didn’t see things coming, and it’s been a while since a book has had me on the edge of my seat so much.
I adored A Song of Wraiths and Ruin – as this review might give away! It had everything I love in fantasy novels, plus a refreshing, new and absorbing storyline. The only blessing with leaving it so long is now I don’t have to wait for the sequel for as long
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 August 2020I have to say I really enjoyed reading this book, I thought that everything from the setting to the characters to the plot to the…cover design – ALL OF IT – it was all so much fun. It’s exactly what I like in YA and I would absolutely recommend this to all the YA lovers out there who haven’t yet picked this up.
As usual, I’ll make the disclaimer that I am a white woman and as such there will be aspects of this book that I may not have picked up on – seek out own voices reviews alongside this one! But I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to bring this book to your attention.
This book is dual POV, we have the perspectives of Malik, the poor boy trying to carve out a place of safety for his family, and Karina, the princess who has to take on more responsibility than she had ever imagined. Normally in books like this I would gravitate towards one character and just be mildly annoyed at the other (usually the male character because I am predictable) but in this case I found both narratives to be really compelling. I liked the way this structure gives the two sides of the story, and it’s one of the few times where getting to see POV characters through the eyes of another character actually works and doesn’t feel…gratuitous. You get that sense of dramatic irony, knowing that while Karina may think one thing is happening Malik is in fact working towards a different goal and so on. That’s something I adore in fiction, mostly because I like to know more than the characters do. What I thought worked well in this story was the fact that the story went beyond these two characters and the plot that emerges between them. In similar YA narratives the entire story centres around that relationship and it can get predictable and annoying, instead this feels like two stories that connect as part of a much wider narrative.
What I’m trying to get at here is that this book goes beyond the usual tropes I might associate with a dual POV book set up in this way.
This setting was wonderful, the different cultures, the city itself, the magic, all of the details were there without feeling like worldbuilding was being thrown at you. Some of my favourite aspects were the moments of storytelling within the story – because I am always here for an exploration of oral history – there are sung stories, stories that get told to crowds, stories in the narrative – so many stories it is a wonderful time.
If you enjoy YA I would definitely suggest you pick up a copy of this book, it is familiar and tropey while still retaining a uniqueness that makes it feel fresh and interesting. You’ll fall head over heels for Karina – who is one of my favourite YA heroines of all time – and you’ll then have to join me impatiently waiting for the next book!
My rating: 4/5 stars
I bought this book myself, all opinions are my own.
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 December 2021A Song of Wraiths and Ruin is Brown’s fantasy debut and is inspired by West African folklore. I originally picked this up to analyse the mechanics of dual POV story telling but I found myself quite swept away by this fast paced plot.
Credit where it’s due, for about half of this book, I thought I knew exactly where this book was headed and was expecting a certain outcome. However, I was wrong! And a book that can do that, is a book worth reading.
Yes, there’s a lot of tropes and events that are akin to other pop culture YA best sellers which I’ve noticed some people have criticised but Brown does them justice and very much makes them her own.
I loved the world in which this book is set. I loved watching Malik and Karina, the two protagonists, grow on their respective journeys from innocence to experience. I loved that so many characters were so complex and skirted the line between moral and immoral. In this book there is no good and bad—only grey.
If you want to read a book that makes you question what you’d do for the ones you love, this is a great journey to embark on.
Top reviews from other countries
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Laura MachadoReviewed in Brazil on 30 December 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Um dos melhores que li nesse ano
Eu não sei nem explicar o quanto eu amei esse livro, nossa. Aconselho começar o livro sem ler a sinopse antes, porque eu já tinha esquecido dela quando comecei e fui ficando surpresa com tudo que acontecia logo de cara. Foi incrível! Nem sei se vou conseguir descrever o quanto amei o livro, como ele é bom e como estou me segurando para não ler logo o segundo e guardar a história mais um pouquinho.
O enredo é uma das melhores partes do livro! Tem coisas importantes acontecendo desde o começo, e a autora não pareceu enrolar em nada. Até hoje, meses depois de eu ler, me pego pensando nas coisas que aconteceram, em algumas cenas específicas, e como tudo se desenrolou! A relação da Karina e de Malik é perfeita, mesmo que eles interajam menos do que eu queria. O final é espetacular e surpreendente, tão emocionante que nem dá pra respirar direito, ainda que tenha uma pequena reviravolta bem óbvia desde o começo.
Já disse que eu amei? Fico pensando na história e querendo repetir o quanto eu amei!
Amei as personalidades do Malik e da Karina principalmente. Ela é bem mimada como uma princesa deve ser, mas tem tanto conteúdo e tanta complexidade, que é muito legal quando ela está narrando! Seu desenvolvimento é perfeito e fica melhor ainda com tantas outras personagens mulheres complexas à sua volta! Seu final é incrível e só de pensar nele, minha vontade é de passar o segundo livro na frente de todos os outros na minha lista. O romance também é maravilhoso, feito devagar e com propósito, impossível de não torcer por eles!
Já o Malik é um amor, e eu desafio todo mundo a não querer protegê-lo do resto do mundo! Adorei o foco que a autora deu em sua saúde mental, porque muitas vezes em livros de fantasia, os autores se esquecem de incluir esse tipo de coisa. A mente de Malik é traiçoeira e a melhor parte foi ele usar isso como vantagem. Meu deus, como eu amo o Malik! Ele é perfeito e me surpreendeu demais no final! Estou louca para ver o que ele vai fazer no próximo!
Essa resenha só está servindo para eu ficar elogiando o livro, mas ele merece! O universo também foi super bem construído e eu não mudaria nada nele! Tem tantas camadas, história e cultura, que é bem fácil de acreditar que é real.
Preciso parar de ficar falando desse livro, que estou ficando cada vez mais curiosa para o próximo! Foi de longe uma das minhas melhores leituras desse ano. Recomendo demais e já estou planejando dar de presente para algumas amigas! Leiam esse livro!
Laura MachadoUm dos melhores que li nesse ano
Reviewed in Brazil on 30 December 2021
O enredo é uma das melhores partes do livro! Tem coisas importantes acontecendo desde o começo, e a autora não pareceu enrolar em nada. Até hoje, meses depois de eu ler, me pego pensando nas coisas que aconteceram, em algumas cenas específicas, e como tudo se desenrolou! A relação da Karina e de Malik é perfeita, mesmo que eles interajam menos do que eu queria. O final é espetacular e surpreendente, tão emocionante que nem dá pra respirar direito, ainda que tenha uma pequena reviravolta bem óbvia desde o começo.
Já disse que eu amei? Fico pensando na história e querendo repetir o quanto eu amei!
Amei as personalidades do Malik e da Karina principalmente. Ela é bem mimada como uma princesa deve ser, mas tem tanto conteúdo e tanta complexidade, que é muito legal quando ela está narrando! Seu desenvolvimento é perfeito e fica melhor ainda com tantas outras personagens mulheres complexas à sua volta! Seu final é incrível e só de pensar nele, minha vontade é de passar o segundo livro na frente de todos os outros na minha lista. O romance também é maravilhoso, feito devagar e com propósito, impossível de não torcer por eles!
Já o Malik é um amor, e eu desafio todo mundo a não querer protegê-lo do resto do mundo! Adorei o foco que a autora deu em sua saúde mental, porque muitas vezes em livros de fantasia, os autores se esquecem de incluir esse tipo de coisa. A mente de Malik é traiçoeira e a melhor parte foi ele usar isso como vantagem. Meu deus, como eu amo o Malik! Ele é perfeito e me surpreendeu demais no final! Estou louca para ver o que ele vai fazer no próximo!
Essa resenha só está servindo para eu ficar elogiando o livro, mas ele merece! O universo também foi super bem construído e eu não mudaria nada nele! Tem tantas camadas, história e cultura, que é bem fácil de acreditar que é real.
Preciso parar de ficar falando desse livro, que estou ficando cada vez mais curiosa para o próximo! Foi de longe uma das minhas melhores leituras desse ano. Recomendo demais e já estou planejando dar de presente para algumas amigas! Leiam esse livro!
Images in this review
- Lindsay MapleReviewed in Canada on 14 June 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Phenomenal
The worldbuilding, the characters, the magic system, the writing... all impeccable. An incredible book. Can't wait for book two!
- Ms. Laurie J. BellReviewed in the United States on 11 June 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Simply loved it.
I screamed when I got to the end and realised it was the end. I just wanted to keep reading. I’m so in love with this book. A glorious fantasy. I completely binged on this book and am dying for Book Two.
A story of duology. A romance. A battle of wits and wills and personal demons. Of magic and myths made real. A terrific read.
Malik and Karina couldn’t be more opposite. One, a princess. One, a refuge. And yet both are on a similar journey to understanding their place in the world and the truth about their own personal power. And both are completely at odds with each other. Those desires act like two magnets. Pulling them together and pushing them apart at the same time. The conflict between their opposite needs sets up a clash of epic proportions. Malik who must save his sister and Karina who wants her mother back. Every step they take to achieve their desire puts them into further conflict with each other. A tragic love story. For each to win, the other must lose.
The story is told from both Malik and Karina’s points of view and thus we are fully enveloped in their individual stories, and in their triumphs and tragedies. Each personality is gloriously alive and gripping in intensity, driving the plot forward with every ill-intentioned or forced choice. And with every choice, their path changes for better or worse leading them inexorably toward each other.
The worldbuilding is fantastic. A fantasy for the ages, beautifully visual and brimming with color. The magic is believable; dangerous and powerful. The worldbuilding and magic together weave a fantasy that is impossible to escape from. And you don’t want to. As a reader I wanted more.
I cannot wait for the next book!
- Sumaiya KhatoonReviewed in India on 6 October 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for any young adult fantasy lovers..
Can’t believe this is a debut novel by this author..
it ticked off all the young adult fantasy tropes and more..
my new fave..
Fast paced, unique magic system , relatable characters ( the author didn’t hesitate in showing their vulnerabilities and weaknesses) , and a nail biting climax..
Sumaiya KhatoonA must read for any young adult fantasy lovers..
Reviewed in India on 6 October 2020
it ticked off all the young adult fantasy tropes and more..
my new fave..
Fast paced, unique magic system , relatable characters ( the author didn’t hesitate in showing their vulnerabilities and weaknesses) , and a nail biting climax..
Images in this review
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Hugh p.Reviewed in France on 8 August 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Superbe fantasy aux influences de mythology africaine
Tres bel ouvrage, fantasy aventure inspire par la mythologie te le folklore africain, cela change et fait du bien! Je recommande.