 | Song of wraiths and ruin (Song Of Wraiths And Ruin) Author: Brown, Roseanne A. | |
| Price: $9.01 | ||
Summary:
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 as mutual attraction grows between Malik and Karina, will they be able to remain deadly enemies?
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: UG Reading Level: 6.90 Points: 20.0 Quiz: 510096 |
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 04/15/2020 *Starred Review* Brown delivers an explosive, stunning fantasy debut with her story of Malik, a refugee fleeing the horrors of war along with his sisters. The siblings are seeking a new, peaceful life; however, entry into the city of Ziran comes with a heinous price. Malik’s sister is claimed by a demon as payment, and to get her back, Malik must strike a bargain that demands he kill the princess of Ziran. The princess in question is Karina, whose mother, the Sultana, has been recently murdered. Grieving, Karina seeks to resurrect her mother, but the magic requires the beating heart of a king as sacrifice—only Ziran has no king. Karina hatches a plot to marry so she can obtain the heart she needs from her future husband. When Malik enters the competition she arranges for potential suitors, the two are set on a collision course. Familial relationships, duty, and love are among the themes this novel richly explores, and its heroic main characters still feel unique, authentic, and flawed. 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 involving war-torn countries, refugees, and the struggle, hard decisions, and sacrifices people are forced to make for peace and safety. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.
Booklist - 04/15/2020 *Starred Review* Brown delivers an explosive, stunning fantasy debut with her story of Malik, a refugee fleeing the horrors of war along with his sisters. The siblings are seeking a new, peaceful life; however, entry into the city of Ziran comes with a heinous price. Malik’s sister is claimed by a demon as payment, and to get her back, Malik must strike a bargain that demands he kill the princess of Ziran. The princess in question is Karina, whose mother, the Sultana, has been recently murdered. Grieving, Karina seeks to resurrect her mother, but the magic requires the beating heart of a king as sacrifice—only Ziran has no king. Karina hatches a plot to marry so she can obtain the heart she needs from her future husband. When Malik enters the competition she arranges for potential suitors, the two are set on a collision course. Familial relationships, duty, and love are among the themes this novel richly explores, and its heroic main characters still feel unique, authentic, and flawed. 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 involving war-torn countries, refugees, and the struggle, hard decisions, and sacrifices people are forced to make for peace and safety. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 05/01/2020 Gr 9 Up—An immersive, West African-inspired debut. Malik arrives in Ziran with his two sisters for the Solstasia festival, yearning for a fresh start. A refugee with a sensitive heart, he will do anything to protect his family. When a deal with a magical entity leads to his youngest sister's abduction, he knows that there is only one way forward: He has to broker an awful deal to ensure her safe return. In the meantime, Karina is the crown princess of Ziran with a tragic past and a lot to prove. Plagued by chronic migraines, she wants to live her own life outside of the constraints of her position. When her mother is assassinated, she and Malik are thrown into each other's path; they are both on secret missions to kill the other and salvage what they have lost. A growing mutual attraction complicates their mission, and they learn what is truly worth fighting for. Readers will forgive Brown for occasionally tangled plotting, because the story, characters, and world-building are so skillfully handled. VERDICT A mostly tautly woven tale with a slow build that will leave readers wanting more. The first in a duology, this will appeal to those who love gentle male protagonists, strong female leads, and worlds filled with magic!—India Winslow, Cary Memorial Library, Lexington, MA - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
