A Song of Wraiths and Ruin Review written by the Hobbit on May 11th, 2022. This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog.
Know Before You Read
Book: A Song of Wraiths and Ruin
Author: Roseanne A. Brown
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Length: 480 pages
Age suggested: 13 and up
Release Date: June 2, 2020
Warnings: Death of family members; anxiety/panic attacks (see author’s comment below)
Quick Summary of A Song of Wraiths and Ruin
Malik and his two sisters are trying to get into ZIran, the capital of the empire. They are from a despised country, and it looks hopeless. But a sinister supernatural being gets them in, for a price. Malik must kill Princess Karina. Karina has her problems – her mother has just been murdered. She can bring her back but needs the heart of a king. Asa events unfold the two are set on a course that means they are determined to kill the other – but also are developing romantic feelings.
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin Review: (Contains Spoilers)
Malik and his two sisters come to the Solstasia festival – which only happens every fifty years – hoping for a new life in Ziran. It will be difficult. They are Eshrans – despised second-class people. But an encounter with a supernatural being gives them a chance – at a price. Malik, to free his youngest sister, must kill the crown princess, Karina.
Karina has her own problems, She is not interested in ruling. But her mother is assassinated on the eve of the festival. There is dark magic to bring her back to life, but it requires the heart of a king. Karina must marry quickly, and sacrifice her new husband, to get her mother back. She offers her hand in marriage to the winner of the competition at the Solstasia festival. Malik uses his magic to get into the competition. Neither realizes the other’s goal – but they are slowly beginning to develop romantic feelings for each other.
Although the book has a familiar theme in YA fantasy (enemies into lovers), it has some unique aspects. Based on West African folklore, it offers a glimpse into cultures many readers will not immediately know. The book also deals with contemporary issues, many affecting young adults. The author notes at the beginning, “Please note this book depicts issues of mild self-harm ideation, fantasy violence, emotional and physical abuse, anxiety and panic attacks, parent death, and animal death. I have done my best to approach these topics with sensitivity, but if you feel this kind of content may be triggering, please be aware.”
Continue reading for more of A Song of Wraiths and Ruin Review
Why Read A Song of Wraiths and Ruin-
We need more books that explore mental health, and Malik’s anxiety attacks are a great way to open up discussions about this topic (both parents and children and peer discussions). I was not always happy with the choices made, especially by the two lead characters – but Malik, in particular, is under a lot of intense pressure throughout the book. The book highlights the systemic oppression of a certain group of people just because of their nationality, which continues to be a relevant issue, And the book broadens appreciation for the stories of western Africa (I have found these to be very interesting, especially from a spiritual angle).
It took me half of the book to really like Malik, and most of the book to like Karina. But by the end I was rooting for both of them. Please note that the book is the first in a duology.
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin Discussion Questions
Themes: Justice, class, discrimination
- Have you ever experienced an anxiety attack (or known someone who has experienced one)? How did reading about Malik’s attacks make you feel?
- Why do you think the idea of enemies becoming lovers is so popular in young adult books? Do you like these types of books? Why or why not?
- Ziran is in a desert. Have you ever driven through or been in a desert? What was it like?
- Who was your favorite minor character? There are several. Why did you choose them?
- Farid has a problem – obsessive love. What is different between he and Malik? Do you think, as the story ends, they will be able to co-exist?
Thanks for reading A Song of Wraiths and Ruin Review. Before you go, check out these other posts
–Raybearer Review
–Amari and the Night Brothers Review and Discussion Questions
–Beasts Made of Night and Crown of Thunder
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