https://wordpress.com/post/wickedcoolflight.net/9210

What a great debut novel. This is the second one in the last couple of months I've gotten to read that I've been amazed by. L. Penelope's work is riveting. She tells a moving, yet imaginative story in a dystonia society that truly makes you long for a little bit of magic.
This one has a Romeo and Juliet style feel to it, but as two adults they handle things differently, not by intending to sacrifice themselves, but to carve their own paths through society. The angst isn't so much their relationship as the war that is about to befall their country. One has a fierce loyalty to his country, rightly so, while the other is just trying to fit into her own skin and find her place in society. His royalty and her magic are the forces that keep them apart and create a hostile situation for both of them.
I love that she didn't give us a cliffhanger instead there is a HEA for the two lovebirds, but I still must read books two and three. Since this is a Young Adult novel, I'll give you the lowdown on what makes this a good read. The main themes are self worth, fighting against prejudice, standing up for what you truly believe no matter what, anti-bullying behaviors, and consequences of decisions. So if those seem good ones for the young adult in your life, you really should pick this one up. If you don't have a young adult, I still recommend this one. I'd love to see this made into a movie or a miniseries. It is that good. For all of these reasons, I give this one 5 of 5 propellers. Happy Reading and Ms. Penelope, please consider the Wickedcoolflight Crew for your next release.

I got an eARC from NetGalley for an honest review. Thank you St. Martins Press for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest opinion. Also another big thank you to St. Martins Press for asking me to be part of the blog tour for this book.

In this world, Elsira and Lagamire are two nations hostile towards each other and separated by a magical border, the Mantle. In Elsira the gift of Earthsong is feared, but in Lagamire, it is taken as a tribute to the dictator that is in power, the True Father.

Jasminda lives alone in Elsira as an outcast because of her Earthsong. Her parents are dead and her house is about to be auctioned away unless she can gather funds. During a storm, a group of threatening soldiers seek shelter in her cabin. With them, they bring an injured spy. Jack is an Elsirian spy sent across the Mantle to infiltrate Lagamire to assess if the Mantle between the two is going to fall. Plans go astray and he is found out and taken captive by the soldiers and is on his way to the True Father. They escape from the soldiers and set off together on a journey to uncover secrets of the Queen Who Sleeps and save the two nations from war and the True Father.

Before reading this I hadn`t looked up any reviews or heard anything about it. I am happy to say that I enjoyed this book and I found it to be very easy to read and fall into the world. I was a bit surprised during some scenes because of graphic content. I thought this was a young adult novel, but after reading it there are some more graphic scenes that wouldn`t be the best for younger audiences.

The beginning of this book is so gripping and captured my attention right away. We learn that nobody in town really likes Jasminda, because her appearance is different from everyone else and she has Earthsong. She lives in an isolated cabin away from the town, but the officials are trying to auction off her house so she will have no choice, but to leave. This book has a historical fantasy vibe to it and it integrates social problems seamlessly. It talks about racism, oppression, immigration, and shows that Jasminda was nervous to have a group of male soldiers in her house for fear of her safety. Her romance with Jack is very insta-lovey and very fairytale like because his character is so good. That being said, the characters were well written. There is so much I liked about this book that I can`t possibly write it all down.

I would recommend this book, it is one that I would buy even though I have already read it. I am looking forward to what happens next.

Song of Blood and Stone was originally an indie publication in 2015 at a much shorter length (around 260 pages). After it was picked up by St. Martin's Press, it was built out into a fuller novel, now around 380 pages) and given a beautiful graphical treatment with a gorgeous cover, a map and chapter header images that match the folklore quotes that begin each chapter. I wish the book had a clearer tone, however. It seeks to balance many elements, and the result didn't resonate with me as a reader.

Set in a fantasy world in which the neighboring regions of Elsira and Lagrimar are separated by a magical mantle over a mountainous region, we find they are separated by more than just magic and mountains. They are separated by skill and by race. In Elsira, dark-skinned people and those with magic (Earthsingers) are regarded with suspicion. In Lagrimar, dark-skinned people are the norm and though the people often had Earthsongs, they are expected to surrender their magic to the True Father, something of a fanatical dictator, in tribute. The world has a Western and steampunkish feel in some ways, there are telephones and airships and radios, but these are early versions of all these. But there is also the fairy-tale palace with a handsome prince garbed in jewels and robes of office.

Jasminda ul-Sarifor, our heroine, is a kindhearted Earthsinger. Descended from a Lagrimari father and an Elsiran mother, she is dark-skinned like the Lagrimari and has only weak to average Earthsong, unlike her father, now missing, who was a strong Earthsinger. Jasminda's mother died years before and her father and brothers went looking for something in the mountains around their valley and never came home. (Those would be the same mountains separating Elsira and Lagrimar.) The story opens with Jasminda receiving a letter from her maternal grandfather, who is offering her a small fortune to disavow all relationship to his family, including her now-dead mother, because he is running for political office in Elsira and doesn't want the embarrassment of having to explain his beautiful black granddaughter to anyone during the campaign or after. Conveniently, the Elsiran tax bureau had only recently detected that Jasminda's family home, in a small valley ringed by mountains, hasn't been on the tax rolls and they are now demanding a fortune back taxes, 20,000 pieces or the property will be put up for auction. Jasminda, who is eking out a living as a goat farmer and who has no money to her name other than the pittance she makes selling her Earthsong blessed salves and balms, is sorely tempted to take her grandfather's offer of 40,000 pieces. As she struggles with her decision while walking home from the nearest town's post office, she encounters a wounded man on the roadside. He is fleeing Lagrimari troops, who have pursued him into Elsira to return him to Lagrimar. Jack is an Elsiran spy, sung to look dark-skinned when in fact a typical fair-skinned redheaded Elsiran. The magic wore off, he was outed as a spy and injured during his escape. The encounter culminates, after a bit of a wind in the road, with Jasminda holed up in her cabin with six Lagrimari soldiers, and Jack, as they weather a storm. Jasminda is almost raped, she is rescued by Jack, four of six soldiers are wounded or killed and Jack and Jasminda escape. Thus, a romance is born.

The tropes are strong with this one, readers. For Jack is more powerful than he seems to be, thanks to the untimely airship accident that kills his half-brother. He will rescue Jasminda several times, just as she rescued him at the start of the story. Jasminda is called upon to rise above her weak Earthsong. The embattled history of Elsira and Lagrimar is explained to her in visions. A queen rises. Peace is sought and found. All in a pastiche magical world that has a Western feel but elements of Sub-Saharan African folklore in chapter headers and a heroine with a North African sounding name. There are also the issues of the race relations and the interracial relationship, which feel unsophisticated in their handling at times, though a revelation at the end of the book was at least a positive point. A romance and fantasy mixed-genre can always risk predictability, and from the outset of the book you know that Jasminda and Jack will be "together after adversity." What I didn't feel was a depth in this novel. Penelope has pulled together a pastiche of elements any one or two of which might have been enough to build a novel around. But by mixing so many elements together and not building any of them out fully, I felt I was reading disparate things sewn into a crazy quilt. It's warm but it isn't well-turned out. The folklore quotes at the head of each chapter sometimes foretell events in a chapter but many times the allusion to the events is so liminal as to be invisible. I compare similar use in books by say, Nnedi Okorafor, and feel interested that Penelope wanted to give us these quotes and parables but wonder why she didn't develop more with their actual relationship to Jasminda's world and the Elsiran and Lagrimari culture? Honestly, there were times in this book where I felt like I was reading a Disney Princess met Firefly Joss Whedon mashup.

All in all, I'm not sorry I picked up Song of Blood and Earth, and I'd probably make an effort to read the next book in the Earthsinger Chronicles to see where Penelope goes from here. Rewriting a first novel for a mainstream publisher can be a challenge, so it's possible that in a brand new second book, Penelope will have greater freedom in developing the story of Jasminda further. I'll look forward to that.

I gave Song of Blood & Stone a try on a whim and I am so glad that I did! Although the story is fantasy it often felt like a romance with fantasy elements. Jasminda and Jack come from completely different backgrounds, yet quickly find themselves deeply connected in a surprising way which plays into the New Adult romance feel. If you are a romance reader who hasn't read much fantasy, or just new to the genre and would like to give fantasy a try, Song of Blood & Stone would be a good place to start.

What Penelope does really well is show a wide range of consequences of bigotry for not only the people who are being discriminated against, but also the impact on the general community that enables unfair treatment of 'others'. There's plenty of accurate and applicable social commentary threaded into this story. For me, the most interesting parts of Song of Blood & Stone were the sections that dealt with the relationships and tensions among the characters.

Penelope does lay the foundation for describing and showing the magic system and how it works, however I do hope that book two gives more world building detail. I'm still not quite sure how technologically advanced the world is. The first part of the story had more of an old world feel that included magic, but as the story progressed it began to feel like a mash up of old world and modern technology, which made it harder to know what the world looks like and how it works.

Song of Blood & Stone is a well written and enjoyable story that ends in a way that makes me look forward to continue on with this series because the story is definitely far from over!

An enjoyable read.
This book is a fantasy novel with warring countries trying to break through/defend a magical barrier between the lands. It has basic technology like electricity and radios which is unusual in books that seem more high fantasy. Unusual in a good way as I enjoyed the update.
This is the story of Jack and Jasminda trying to save their world from a vicious magical All Father who drains people's magic to add to his own. It has fights, a romance subplot, sibling rivalry, bad soldiers, good soldiers, confused Sisters, and a magical Queen stuck in a sleep spell. My only complaint would be the quotes at the start of the chapter didn't always make sense or seem to fit the situation.
I would recommend this book. I've already recommended it to someone.
I received a digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. It has an expiration date so I consider it no different than if I had borrowed it from the library.
A good book, the start of a new series--I believe book 2 comes out this fall--that would be a good addition to any fantasy, urban or paranormal fantasy collection.

There are some fantasy novels that sweep you off your feet, because how breathtaking the world is, and how enthralling the story turns out to be. Song of Blood and Stone is such a book. I didn't start the book with high expectations, except a fervent wish that such a diverse fantasy - with a POC on the cover for that matter - should be a good read. I didn't have to worry at all, because Jasminda's story is one of a kind, and it's a book that should be read by everyone.

Jasminda is an orphan and an outsider. Living in a predominantly white Elsira, the biracial girl is shunned for her dark skin and her mighty Earthsong that isn't revered but feared. Set in a parallel 1920, yet so close to our own political climate nowadays, the Song of Blood and Stone traces the story of a girl who is torn between the country she calls her own, and the land of her ancestors, while her beautiful romance with the Elsiran solider Jack complicates things further.

Symbolic fantasies are a tricky business. Either they end up being powerful, or they end up like The Continent. But the author of this book clearly knew what she was doing. While the story had its fantasy elements and a romance that is just magical, the underlining factor of the whole book is Jasminda's inner struggle with her identity and loyalty. As a black girl who's discriminated by the white society she lives among in, it could've been easy for her to turn her back to Elsira, the country that has never treated her well, but it's also the only country she has ever known. Her conflict is portrayed so well, and handled so sensitively that you feel what she's feeling and understand her plight.

I have once read a poem called A Far Cry from Africa. ( It's worth a read, definitely check it out ) It's a moving poem which is based on the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya by Derek Walcott, a man with both African and European roots, and who was torn between his identities. There is a line that has always stayed with me, "where shall I turn, divided to the vein?" This book reminded me of that poem instantly, and resonates the same sentiment in a way that will definitely make you think.

The fantasy elements of the book was backed up by the author's gorgeous writing. Penelope's prose is stunning and lush, and her blend of history and her own imagination was seamless. There's a war between two powerful rulers and two persistent group of people, that acts as the root of the story, and it's intense, and captivating. The book has a steady pace that will keep you turning the pages.

Jasminda is a girl with a steel of spine. Her dignity and morals made me admire her, while I wanted to hug her tight for all the injustice and pain she faced. Jack is a pure soul. I don't think I have read such an unproblematic cinnamon roll of a love interest before him. He's a gentleman, understanding and is sometimes too good to be true, but I am not complaining.

The romance is interracial - Jack is a white soldier - and with that comes the usual complications, but my favourite part was how it changes the already perfect Jack as a better person. I loved the way he handled his white privilege to stand up for the right things. Plus Jack is a bit older - to be honest, the book borders on NA - so the romance has a perfect blend of mature and cheesy.

Overall, Song of Blood and Stone is a book that needs to be talked about more, and a must read. With a magical romance, vivid writing, strong characters and poignant racial undertones and powerful symbolism, this fantasy is spectacular and important.

The 3-star review below was posted to Every Day Should Be Tuesday, Amazon, and Goodreads on 5/1/2018:

Song of Blood & Stone caught me off balance. Mostly I think because I wasn’t expecting the tech level. I was expecting something more in the usual medieval vein, but Penelope’s secondary world has a level of technology somewhere in the late 1800s to mid-1900s range. There are rifles and telephones and motorized vehicles and one airship. I also think I may have been conflating Song of Blood & Stone and Children of Blood and Bone in my mind.

Song of Blood and Stone was originally self-published before getting picked up by St. Martin’s Press, and it shows. There is considerable joy and raw skill in the storytelling, but it is also a bit of a mess. There is some interesting worldbuilding, but the heart of the book is the romance between Jasminda and Jack.

Song of Blood and Stone has a somewhat narrow scope, concerning a centuries-long war between the Elsirans and Lagrimari. Their respective countries are separated by a magical Mantle completely dividing the two. Except for the seven times there has been a breach, each resulting in a Breach War, it is impossible to cross the Mantle. But now the True Father wants to take down the Mantle for good.

Jasminda is the daughter of an Elsiran woman and a Lagrimari Earthsinger who was trapped on the Elsiran side of the border at the close of the last Seventh Breach War. Her skin and her magical abilities mark her as an outsider. Only Lagrimari can control the Earthsong. It cannot be used to directly kill, but it can be used for everything from controlling storms to communicating telepathically to healing.

Jasminda finding an injured soldier on her way home from town is the precipitating event that sets the story into motion. That injured soldier leads to a squad of soldiers quartered in her small cabin, and from there to events that will rock both nations.

The early part of the book is set in an area I found reminiscent of the American West. It is heavy on action and worldbuilding. Somewhere between a quarter and a third of the way through there is an abrupt shift. The setting shifts to something more reminiscent of 19th century continental Europe, and the plot becomes driven by romance and palace intrigue.

Song of Blood & Stone supports my thesis that the best place to find strong, virtuous male characters is in books written by women featuring a significant romantic element. The romance between Jasminda and Jack is definitely the strongest element of the book.

There is too little agency by the main characters in the palace intrigue parts for them to be entirely effective. Sure, being reactive is pretty much the lot of a politician, but it doesn’t exactly make for gripping fiction. The bigger problem is the tonal shift from the first part of the book to the very different second part. After moving along at a quick clip in the first part, the pacing screeches, if not a halt, to a much more sedate pace, only to give way to a rushed climax.

Disclosure: I received an advance copy of Song of Blood & Stone via NetGalley.

First of all let's talk about the war, in fact there were several between Elsira and Lagrimari. The Lagrimari are locked on one side of the mountains by an ancient spell..

The people of Lagrimari are governed by a man who is called The True Father, this people has the power called Earthsong. The true Father asks his people for tributes, he wants their powers, they have no choice but to obey and then they no longer have powers.

The people of Elsira have no powers and are afraid of the Lagrimari and their Earthsinger. This people are led by the Prince Regent who governs until the queen wakes from her long sleep.
And now let's get down to business.

Jasminda has lost her parents and brothers, she has lived alone for two years on her parents' farm but when she returns home after going to the village she discovers an injured young man. Jasminda's father was a Lagrimari and her mother an Elsiran, therefore jasminda is an Earthsinger and Elsiran but her power is weak. She still succeeds thanks to her earthsong to save Jack, the unknown and she will help him in his quest to save his people, Elsiran.

Jasminda is an intelligent, independent girl, she is not afraid of others but the people of Elsira never accepted her because of her powers. Her incomprehension and sadness are felt perfectly. When she meets Jack, she discovers that not all Elsirans are the same and that some understand. I love Jasminda, she tries to do her best to help Jack and even if sometimes she forgives a little too easily their relationship is just beautiful.

Jack went to play spies in Lagrimari through a passage, when he was discovered; he fled and was saved by Jasminda. He absolutely wants to save his people from the approaching war, yet no one believes that The True Father will succeed in breaking down the barriers.

I love Jack, he is tender and adorable, he doesn't hesitate for a second to sacrifice himself to help Jasminda and he wants to protect her at all costs. He does not like the way his people treat the Lagrimari who came to seek refuge in Elsira. He will do everything to change mores but as for all that requires work and men of confidence.

The love relationship between Jasminda and Jack is slowly building over the book, it’s beautiful and I loved the love and understanding between these two characters. Of course they make mistakes but each time they come back to each other, their love is pure and sincere.

I really liked this story, the fact that two peoples are at war and especially to understand why they have been at war for so long was really important. We finally realize that discrimination is everywhere and that consciences do not change quickly. You already know that Jack and Jasminda have a place in my heart but I also loved Oola, Yllis, Usher and his good advice.

I loved the ending and this discovery that finally changed the perception of the world for some.

The style of L Penelope is fluid, once in the story it's hard to close the book and stop, we want to know how it will end and quite frankly I look forward to reading the second volume, which is not about the same characters.

Quick word: A wonderful story of love and open-mindedness.

Song of Blood & Stone by L. Penelope is a vibrant new epic fantasy that will have you begging for more! There is so much to love about this book - racial diversity, political themes that reflect our modern era perfectly, star-crossed lovers, tons of magic, and a new fantastical world to get lost in. Jasminda and Jack are the bomb.com together, and Jasminda is one of my new favorite fantasy heroines. She has so much morality in her, and she really strives to do the right thing in every situation. I admire his courage and tenacity so much.

I'm really excited to be teaming up with the lovely team at St. Martin's Press for this blog tour post and special author Q&A. If Song of Blood & Stone isn't on your radar yet - run don't walk to add it right now. Trust me, you're not going to want to be left out of this party.

5 stars

That ragpile on the path is trouble, it just

happens to be a man. Jasminda doesn’t need trouble. She’s on her way home from a trip to town and worried about losing her home, being asked to disown her mother, and being treated differently just because her skin is a different color and she can use Earthsong. Her father was Lagrimari, a refugee from an evil and seeminly eternal tyrant. Now Jasminda has one more thing to worry about: How to save Jack, an Elsiran, whose mission may mean a lot more than life or death. It may mean the end of divided countries and the awakening of a Queen who has slept for centuries.

This story is just utterly fantastic. L. Penelope has wrought a complex storyline, woven in memorable and believable characters, created a world that flowers before us with life, history, and character, and simply forces us to live in Jasminda’s and Jack’s minds. Many tough subjects are tackled, including racism, sibling love and rivalry, a sovereign’s power and lack thereof, and much, much more. Even better, it’s all done in a story that captivates and enthralls with a lot of action and peril. Just a really excellent read all the way around. Song of Blood and Stone will leave you thinking long after you finish reading.

Highly recommended with one caveat: I would recommend for 17+ due to sexual content.

This was an interesting story, but I didn't enjoy it. Star crossed lovers, honestly the beginning was so good, I really enjoyed it, I found it to be really captivating then the middle meh it was ok, but the last part I couldn't stand. I don't know what happened it was just awful. It could have had so much potential, the romance was there the two world and the mystery and characters... but it just fell apart for me.

One of the things I enjoy most about the Fantasy genre is it's ability to weave current social topics into a story. Song of Blood and Stone, by L. Penelope, does this to stunning effect. On top of building a wonderful new universe with magic and "Earthsong", the story explores themes of prejudice, and the challenges of refugees.

What I Liked:
World-building:
The character's world is essentially divided in two by a barrier known as "The Mantle". One side has an abundance of technology and the other side is made up of people with "Earthsong" (the ability to control the elements with magic). There are often breaches in The Mantle when people from Lagamiri raid the Elsirians, causing lingering ill-will and prejudices.

I appreciated the way the author showed how magic both benefited, and harmed both sides. Technology was also a double-edged sword, helping to improve lives, but also taking a toll on the environment.

There was also a wonderful backstory about the origins of the conflict, pitting two siblings against each other.

Characters:
Jasminda is strong, smart, and resilient. Even though she has lost nearly everything, and everyone she loves, she still keeps going. Dark-skinned Jasminda is the product of a union between her Lagamirian father, and her Elsirian mother. Although she was born in Elsira, she looks like someone from Lagamira, and thus is discriminated against on a daily basis. People in Elsira mistrust her use of Earthsong, so she must keep her talents hidden. So much of the subtle (and not so subtle) discrimination Jasminda is subjected to mirrors the experiences of African-Americans in the United States!

Story:
I found the story to be a page-turner! There was lots of danger, romance, and mystery to keep me reading. The tension at various parts of the book was palatable. I was very moved by the story of the refugees and what they endured. The characters who did stand up for their beliefs went through many trials, and you could see the parallels between them and civil rights advocates throughout history.

What I Was Mixed About:
Characters:
Although I thought Jack was brave and down to earth, I also thought he was rather selfish and didn't treat Jasminda as well as he should have. He obviously sees Jasminda for the amazing woman that she is, but he doesn't call out others when they say and do blatantly racist things. He also expects Jasminda to be understanding when he wants to keep their relationship a secret. Basically, he wants all the perks and none of the challenges of being with her. I know this would have been really hard for him, but dude! Grow a backbone!

Sex On The Page:
The bedroom scenes in this book are very sexy. If you are looking for a "clean" romance, you won't enjoy this book. Because this is a book where the relationship between Jasminda and Jack evolved (they didn't just jump into bed at first sight), I was okay with these moments. They weren't the entire focus of the book. But normally, this is NOT my thing.

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<font face="Georgia"> <h3>Welcome to another session of Turning Pages!</h3>

<p><i><b>Synopsis</b></i>: Earthsinger Jasminda ul-Sarifor has always wished she things were diferent - that she had greater magic, a better relationship with the xenophobic Elsiran village in which she lives, and fewer Lagrimaran features than her father's ancestry has left her. But, alas, things are as they are, and she stubbornly persists in ekeing out a living on the side of the magical barrier that separates these two very different kingdoms, in a place that doesn't love her... until one day, a beaten scrap of a man falls into her path, and everything changes.</p>

<p>It's easy to want to trust Jack, because he's clearly honest - he's in dire straits, and not afraid to say so. It would be <i>stupid</i> to help Jack -- he's an Elsiran spy who was dropped into the midst of Lagrimaran soldiers. There's no real reason for Jasminda to help him - it looks better if she doesn't, after all - but what Jasminda sees of his treatment, and later, what Jack has to say about his mission leaves Jasminda horrified. The barrier - the wall that keeps the kingdoms apart - is about to fall. And when it does, the Lagrimaran religious zealot called True-Father who began the violence between these two countries will come roaring through, in full power, and begin a 'cleansing' of Elsira, and millions of innocent will die... </p>

<p>Jasminda doesn't want to believe this - doesn't want to change her whole world... but it's already changing. Refugees are flooding through in places where the barrier is thin, and it is clear that there is nowhere for them to go -- there's destruction and murder on both sides. Jasminda can't just sit around wishing things were different and better anymore - things aren't, they won't be, and she cannot simply hide. Furthermore, Jack is becoming way too important to her, and Jasminda is beginning to have a fearfully important reason ti want the world to continue...</p>

<p><i><b>Observations</b></i>: Isn't this a beautiful cover?</p>

<p>It's always delightful when a self-pubbed book is picked up by a traditional publishing house. (Or, it's delightful to <i>me</i>, anyway; it might be really fraught and scary for the author, but my joy is more readers for that book.) L. Penelope is a black writer who majored in film AND computer science and who first published this book in 2015.</p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hWvq_LJRe40/WufDmEgnHQI/AAAAAAAAJSo/w_Uc8uH7uccdvL9KGk38vFudE1_az3DegCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/36347830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hWvq_LJRe40/WufDmEgnHQI/AAAAAAAAJSo/w_Uc8uH7uccdvL9KGk38vFudE1_az3DegCPcBGAYYCw/s400/36347830.jpg" width="264" height="400" data-original-width="314" data-original-height="475" /></a></div><p> This book was described in marketing materials as "Romeo & Juliet meets The Return of the King," which is an awkward juxtaposition, to my mind (it read more like a rewritten piece of Greek mythology to me), but it is very high fantasy, with the romance of danger and heightened everything - and also features star-crossed lovers, insofar as Jack and Jasminda are from warring countries and do not share a skin color. Readers will enjoy this novel not because of the love story - which I didn't entirely need, but they will enjoy that this is "just" a fantasy story, of the sort which has a big, sweeping cinematic drama between warring nations, and doesn't attempt to parallel any true history, or anything else. It's actually a bit of a quiet story, for all of its scope, and readers who go in looking for a major war or magic being thrown around will at first have to adjust their expectations.</p>

<p>This is a new volume in the Heroine's Journey, and while the path is somewhat familiar, this is such a beloved tale that many readers will be sucked right in. The first volume in L. Penelope's duology is mostly scene-setting and lining up allies v. enemies. I look forward to how it all ends.</p>
<p><i><b>Conclusion</b></i>: A sweeping romance of warring nations, a mysterious Queen Who Sleeps, and a black girl poised to save the world through her personal brand of magic - which she believes to be insufficient and unimportant. A good starter book for young fantasy readers who aren't as familiar with the genre, the writing is clear, and the pacing is at times a little slow, but engaging.</p>
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<hr width=55%><p>I received my copy of this book courtesy of the publisher. As of TODAY, May 1, 2018, you can find <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/aff/readersrant7?product=9780990922803"><i>SONG OF BLOOD AND BONE</i></a> by L. Penelope at an online e-tailer, or at a real life, independent bookstore near you!</p>
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Unfortunately I DNF this book at about 35%. In a market flooded with YA Fantasy a new series needs to either have a plot that hooks me right away, or excellent writing, and this book had neither. I had to put it down for a few days and realized that I had no interest in picking it up again. The world-building and Earthsong mythology/origins felt inadequate,. I imagine it's fleshed out more later, but by 35% it was still too vague. Also didn't like the anachronistic presence of firearms in a fictional fantasy setting. This book wasn't bad or poorly written, just didn't hold my attention and I don't have enough free time to trudge through a book that I don't find interesting.

L. Penelope writes with the soul of Octavia Butler, the heart of Tananarive Due, and the mind of Cerece Rennie Murphy. Combined, this skillfully crafted science fiction debut novel has all the elements that a seasoned reader comes to expect from a classic. A Song of Blood and Stone’s world-building and societal dynamics mirror today’s issues so well, that it is a not-so-subtle reach at showing how dark and deep life experiences will become if some harsh realities aren’t analyzed and resolved. At times action-packed and others, introspective, the current story of a woman riding the line of two cultures, a caste system, and the past that has driven a wedge between people who have existed since time began in such a way that no one can seem to bridge the gap. This is a perfect first effort from L. Penelope and she ends the story with grace while still setting the stage for more, without leaving the reader feeling lost. That, in itself, is an awesome feat.

WOW! I just finished reading Song of Blood & Stone (Earthsinger Chronicles #1) by L. Penelope and it was GREAT! L.Penelope does a fantastic job of drawing the reader’s attention with a magical world-building introduction. Jasminda, the main heroine, is a strong character whom I adored. The book is set in an alternate 1920’s with historical fantasy, magic, and my favorite romance! This is a great start to the series and I’m excited to see what happens next!

First off—While marked as YA (intended for the Young Adult audience, ages 14 to 18), this book holds very explicit, graphic, intimate scenes.

Set in a wonderfully vivid world, this is a story full of fantasy, discrimination, fighting against the odds, and finding oneself.

Jasminda leads a solitary life. Her family has disappeared or is dead, leaving her alone with a lovely small farm in a country she's apart of but will never feel at home in. Not only does her skin color set her apart, but she harbors magical powers and comes from the nation over the mountains—one the people in her one land greatly fear. When she finds an injured man on the roadside who claims he's being hunted by enemy soldiers, she's sure he's delirious. But not only her world, but those of both countries are about to be turned upside down. Her solitary life disappears leaving her at the center of a war and so much more.

I love the world building in this one. The author brings the small town and Jasminda's farm to life, making it easy to soak in the sights and sounds. It's peaceful (at first) and clashes so well will the harsh prejudice Jasminda faces. Within a few pages, the author weaves in Jasminda's problems and gains immediate empathy for the character. Jasminda is a lovely girl, inside and out, and it's hard not to love her from the very first page.

The magic in this book was layered and complex. There's a little bit of background given, which unfolds more and more through Jasminda's visions and the people she meets. Still, I found this aspect a bit confusing at times, especially during the first half of the book. Still, the magic flows well and has a nice natural side, which fits well with Jasminda.

Fast-paced describes most of the read. The secrets and danger mount constantly as Jasminda's world and situation fluctuate constantly. It's hard to guess what will happen next. The evil is delightfully horrible, and the world around Jasminda is so uncertain that it's impossible for anything to settle into the realm of boring. She has so much to face, externally and inwardly. It's hard to put this book down.

The romance is strong and a vital part of the story. Unfortunately, being sold as a YA, it's too strong and, in my opinion, should be classified as a NA (over 18). The intimate scenes are very explicit and parents need to be aware of this. There is also a near rape scene which is also graphic. Other than this, the romance was a bit too quick for my taste and missed the necessary build-up and chemistry before diving into bed.

All in all, this is a nice read. The writing is beautiful, the tension kept high and Jasminda is an amazing character to root for until the end. It's a wonderful beginning to what appears to be a great series.

I received a complimentary copy through Netgally and wanted to leave my honest thoughts.

Song of Blood & Stone is a brilliant alternate history that uses fantasy to mirror the hardships of the divisions between African Americans and the lighter race. The obvious reason why  I like this book is that it represents my skin color, so yeah a little bias review but whatever.  This is a generic story for a ya fantasy (heroine meets hero and together they adventure to fight off the evil), but the main aspect that made it stand out, in my opinion, is the magic. The idea of exerting power through a song is a new and fresh idea which I have yet to come across until now.  The characters were easily relatable which also made it easy to love them. The reason, why I did not give five stars, is because there were holes in the plot. Chunks of unfinished paragraph or thoughts that left me wondering: why? or how? The flow of words and paragraphs is...In other words, the writing is what unsatisfied me but besides that I recommend this book to everyone and anyone.

An interesting blend of a sociopolitical fantasy combined with star-crossed lovers, the first in the Earthsinger Chronicles shows highs and lows of a torn society. I have to admit, I have seen this story for a while and it didn't really appeal to me. When I accidentally accepted the book for review, I dragged my feet to read it. It wasn't just the cover that made me avoid it as I am not much influenced by covers. I can say the cover did nothing for me and probably would have been better without seeing it. I bring this up because the cover stuck out for me and not in a good way. I can't quite figure out why I didn't like it. Regardless, due to a looming deadline, I powered through this story. I have mixed feelings about this story. It tackles on some real world problems with a rosy coloured glasses viewpoint which grated me the wrong way. It also shows some unvarnished truths that I am not sure readers want to see.

I liked Jasminda. She is a woman who is all alone with her immediate family out of the picture. Her grandfather on the other hand is doing everything he can to erase her existence. Because she is nothing more than a repulsive half-breed. Unfortunately for Jasminda, her physical traits makes her an outcast in Elsira where she's born. She also has magic which brings fear in the minds of the Elsirans who have been at war with one of their neighbors for as long as they can remember.

Jasminda as a character is lovely. She is doing the best she can and she is fighting an uphill battle because the truth of it is that any child who has a mixed heritage is discriminated against by not one but both sides. It is a sad truth that I've seen as a child over 35 years ago. One would think in this day and age, with more interbreeding, it would be less, but there are still many pockets which this is not the case. Watching Jasminda be treated with suspicion from those she's grown up with and be treated with hatred by others who resemble her is heartbreaking. Jasminda is the one who carries this story and without her, it would have been painful to read.

Jasminda's good heart is what brings Jack into her life. Let no good deed go unpunished. Yes, that is a little harsh but in some ways, Jack is what throws her life into turmoil. His idealistic ideas without any political understand is his downfall. As a jaded person, watching Jack's actions makes me cringe. His social justice warrior is admirable if naive.

What really killed me in this story is the refugees. This is hot top as refugees streaming into many different countries are not being treated well for various reasons. What is portrayed in this book is a bit of a bleeding heart perspective. What is sad to see is how refugees are being treated by both the countries they are running from and ones they are trying to find sanctuaries. Refugees are pawns. That is what they are and just like pawns, they will be used to make a point and used for sacrifice. Did the refugee strain the finances of their sanctuary country? Yes. Did they try to talk and find ways communicate and integrate with their sanctuary country? No. Instead, they used powers which scared people and they generated more bitter resentment through their anger. Are they at fault? Not 100%. The sanctuary country created a camp filled with military. How is this helping? Soldiers who have been fighting against these people are probably not the best to help them integrate because they only see the refugees as the enemy. The politicians of Elsira are fools. They think sending the refugees back would make the True Father honour a peace treaty. There are so many conflicting emotions conjured by this messed up situation.

Whilst this is going on, the history of how the two countries came to be is slowly revealed. Within the third snippet of Jasminda's dream sequences, I'm already guessing the ending and I feel a terrible foreboding. I'm not surprised by turn of events at the end and I am glad to see the happily ever after does not exactly happen. This is a well thought out story with some very slow parts, some hateful vitriol and sweet unexpected kindness. Recommended for fantasy readers who enjoy turmoil between seemingly different people.

l. penelope's song of blood and stone is an epic fantasy filled with poetry, danger, magic, betrayal and a love so powerful it overcomes every obstacle. when jasminda meets jack she believes he's out of his mind. but when he risks his life to keep her safe, something no one has ever done for her, she returns the favor.

trapped in the middle of a burgeoning war, jack and jasminda escape one set of dangerous circumstances for another. and when the truth of jack's identity is revealed, the feelings that have developed between these two are even more complicated than the differences in the color of their skin and their ability to use magic.

as the politics and danger surrounding them grows, so does the depth of their feelings for each other. and having it all means risking it all. but the reward could mean everything.

there is so much i loved about this book. i love the relationship between jasminda and jack. i love the themes of racism, of identity, of otherness that imbue the story. i love the setting of this fractured world, being healed through connection. most of the fantasy i read is young adult, but i have to say there's something to be said for adult epic fantasy too.

**song of blood and stone will publish on may, 1, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/st. martin's press in exchange for my honest review.