Whispers of Shadow & Flame is the second book in author L Penelope's "Earthsinger Chronicles" series, after her first book, Song of Blood & Stone (Reviewed Here). Both Song and this book were originally self-published, but are now being rereleased by a traditional publisher, with this second book coming out this coming month. I liked Song a little - it was a solid fantasy romance story, featuring strong themes of racial prejudice and the issue of refugee camps in a country bordering a totalitarian government that seem a little more relevant now than even just a year ago. Still, I felt Song felt utterly barebones at times, with very little depth to the setting outside of its themes, and a personal conflict that felt rather weak and predictable overall. I may have skipped this second novel, had I not see it come up on NetGalley for a potential review.

And Whispers of Shadow & Flame definitely course corrects on the issues of its predecessor - the setting this time around is far deeper, with the story featuring far more characters of importance and really exploring the world over the course of its plot. It's actually not a sequel per se - the book takes place during the same time period as Song, but in the neighboring totalitarian nation instead, dealing with characters dealt with but not really seen in that first book. And I really enjoyed these characters for the most part, as well as the romance that develops, but the book has two issues: a bifurcated plot where one plotline is much stronger than the others, and an ending that well....isn't an ending, but instead a cliffhanger for a third novel.

Note: You can start the series with this book and you'll probably be okay doing so. The book references characters from the prior book on occasion, but they never really actually show up on screen, outside two greater powers who lurk on the periphery. That said, some of the concepts of this world were explained in greater detail in the first book, so you might be a little lost at first if you try it.

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The Country of Lagrimar is a hard cruel place, ruled over by the menacing True Father and his iron fist. The True Father demands that all children born with the life magic of Earthsong sacrifice their magic to him immediately as "tribute" and inspires a culture of fear among the populace, encouraging his populace to inform on each other of anyone with even an inkling of rebellion in their hearts.

Kyara is one of the True Father's most feared weapons, a young woman known by others as the Poison Flame and as the True Father's most deadly assassin. Kyara was born not with Earthsong, but with a far more deadly and uncontrollable magic - the magic of Nethersong, which can kill anyone it touches. Kyara longs for something more, and yet cannot even envision anything else due to her tragic past....and because of the blood magic that binds her to the True Father's will.

Darvyn is a member of the Keepers, the resistance group against the True Father in Lagrimar. And more importantly, he is secretly the legendary Shadowfox, the most powerful Earthsinger in Lagrimar, who tries to bring life throughout the country in spite of the True Father's harsh decrees. But Darvyn longs not only to help the resistance, but also to search for his missing mother, who left him years ago.

But when Kyara is sent after the Shadowfox, hers and Darvyn's destinies will intertwine, in a way that will change the destiny of the entire world, as a greater threat lurks hidden in Lagrimar, and both Kyara and Darvyn will have to make decisions they never could have dreamed of. Meanwhile, their paths will affect others as well, such as a young woman Zeli, and a pair of young girls who are just trying to survive in a country filled with kidnappers, abusers, and informers, with danger lurking just around the corner for all to fear....

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Song of Blood and Stone dealt entirely with the perspectives of its two main characters, and while the story involved a greater scope beyond them, those two lead characters were almost the only developed characters with any depth at all between them. Whispers of Shadow and Flame is very different, with the book alternating really between three to four perspectives, in Kyara, Darvyn, Zeli, and the young girl Ulani. The book also develops some side characters in far better fashion, making them feel less like caricatures, and giving the decisions of all involved more weight. In short, whereas the first book tried to involve the main characters having conflicts between their hearts and duties that seemed obviously to be trending in only one direction, those conflicts here are far better defined so as to make the choices of the characters clearly have more real meaning.

It helps that some of these characters are excellently done and easy to root for. Kyara and Darvyn's eventual romance is obvious from the book's inception, but its built up really nicely with the two characters themselves being rather strong, even if they are hardly unique archetypes. Kyara's girl who spreads death uncontrollably is not a new plot element, but the book executes it well and uses that plot point to take her in interesting different directions, and never goes for the easy way out, making Kyara's plight even more heartwrenching as things go on. Meanwhile, Darvyn's internal conflict between his personal goals and those of the Keeper's is incredibly understandable, and his plot arc is similarly well done. Even Zeli, whose plot arc involves her making some decisions the reader will want to slap her for, is extremely understandable, and once she gets into trouble, her conflicts between the horrors of her past and the knowledge of what she knows to be the right thing to do is really well done.

This all adds up to a far more in-depth setting, in the country of Lagrimar, than in that of the first book, which often felt like a series of set pieces in a country that had no other places or features other than that where our lead characters were at any given point. Here instead, we see the true evils of the country and how that results in a land of oppression and fear, through the story's main two plotlines.

But while those two plotlines really work to give the country and setting far more depth, it also works to detract from some of the book's focus, with the story often leaving one plotline - the main one featuring Kyara and Darvyn - for the other (involving Zeli) in the middle of tense cliffhangers. This is especially annoying because Kyara/Darvyn's plotline is far more intriguing, and the two plotlines never reconnect by the book's end, making it all the more frustrating. It's like there's two separate books going on here, with one more interesting than the other, except we keep having to leave the first for the second. Add to this an ending that, unlike the first book, is basically not a resolution to anything but just a massive cliffhanger for a third book to come out next year, and I couldn't help but having a really frustrating taste in my mouth when all was said and done.

Still, I guess I'm more invested in the book due to its depth even with its lack of ending than I was in the last book which was shallow and had a more satisfying ending? Hopefully the third book will make this one feel more worth it, I guess.

"The Mantle that separates the kingdoms of Elsira and Lagrimar is about to fall. And life will drastically change for both kingdoms.

Born with a deadly magic she cannot control, Kyara is forced to become an assassin. Known as the Poison Flame in the kingdom of Lagrimar, she is notorious and lethal, but secretly seeks freedom from both her untamed power and the blood spell that commands her. She is tasked with capturing the legendary rebel called the Shadowfox, but everything changes when she learns her target’s true identity.

Darvyn ol-Tahlyro may be the most powerful Earthsinger in generations, but guilt over those he couldn’t save tortures him daily. He isn’t sure he can trust the mysterious young woman who claims to need his help, but when he discovers Kyara can unlock the secrets of his past, he can’t stay away.

Kyara and Darvyn grapple with betrayal, old promises, and older prophecies - all while trying to stop a war. And when a new threat emerges, they must beat the odds to save both kingdoms."

Fantasy that feels like legend!

Good epic fantasy is a journey filled with turmoil, tests of fortitude and resilience and conflict at every turn. Great epic fantasy is all that and more! It draws the reader into each page, into the minds of the characters and why they do what they do, how they feel about it and what their actions may cost them. We are invited to see the characters, physically, relate to them and forget they are not real…

WHISPERS OF SHADOW AND FLAME by L. Penelope is a great fantasy! Kyara and Darvyn are like two sides to a coin> Kyara is riddled with guilt for her deadly magic of bringing death. She cannot even control it, even as there are those who wish to control her. Now she must kill her latest target, but he isn’t who she thought he would be…

Darvyn lives with the guilt of the lives he could not save with his powers, but Kyara needs his help and she may be the only person who can help him discover his past. Together, they will fight to save their kingdoms and prevent a war that will doom them all. Can they sift through the lies and treachery? Can they trust each other?

L. Penelope’s writing is masterful as she builds a world that springs to life precariously balanced on the blade of war. Powerfully drawn characters, scenes that are filled to overflowing with strife, turmoil and deceit, it was easy to lose myself in her world and the romance of her writing.

I received a complimentary ARC edition from St. Martin's Griffin! This is my honest and voluntary review.

WHISPERS OF SHADOW & FLAME is a strong continuation of the Earthsinger Chronicles and pushes the series further as a standout YA Fantasy that should be on everyone's list! High stakes, unexpected entanglements, blood owed and owned, it all rushes together into a very exciting sequel.

I was a little bummed that this book wasn't going to continue with Jack and Jasminda, we do get a small cameo of Jack at the start of the book, but I quickly didn't mind. Darvyn and Kyara are both fantastic characters, and this book fleshed out the world and the magic system a little more. This book also takes place along the same timeline as the first book, which is how they flesh out the world a little more. Kyara has a very rare type of magic. Instead of being an Earthsinger who can heal and do good, she's a Nethersinger and only brings death. Because of her unusual gift, the True Father uses her as an assassin. She's also bloodbound, so she must obey. Her next mission is to bring in the mysterious Shadowfox, but not kill him. He's the most powerful Earthsinger and the True Father must have his magic. Kyara doesn't want to, but she must, or die trying.
The leads were strong and independent, while finding companionship in one another. Whispers of Shadow & Flame does take place at the same time as Song of Blood & Stone, which I thought I was great way to tie in both stories. We got to see what was happening elsewhere which paints a broader picture of what was going on this world. In fact, there's a ton more excellent world-building. We get to see new places and meet all kinds of characters. I was particularly interested in the Avinids and the Physicks. I'm hoping there will be more of them in the next book(s). Of course, there's also a lot more about magic as Kyara and Darvyn are both extremely powerful and have essentially opposite powers.

This series is so magical. We got a taste of the new characters in the novella but were able to really get to know them here. The world building is wonderful and the magic system is unique. I definitely recommend this for fans of fantasy and romance. Full review coming closer to review date on my blog!

WHISPERS OF SHADOW & FLAME is a second installment in the Earthsinger Chronicles. This is a world filled with magic, primarily Earthsong, which is a natural magical ability connected to life, allowing people to have some level of healing and other power. There is also blood magic, which is unnatural and Nethersong, the magical ability connected to death.

The “True Father” rules the land of the Lagrimar and takes Earthsong from his citizens in a mandatory tribute. The Keepers who live in Elsira are working against him, and the Shadowfox is the most famous among them with his/her mastery for Earthsong. When intel reaches the True Father about where the Shadowfox will be, he has his Cantor send Kyara, known as the Poison Flame, to capture him and bring him back alive. Kyara has an ability over Nethersong that is used to kill at the True Father’s whim. She is controlled by a powerful blood spell that forces her to follow orders.

As Kyara seeks out the Shadowfox, she must infiltrate the Keepers to learn which is the Shadowfox, and in the process, she gets closer to Darvyn and learns more about them/him. At the same time, we also follow a slave/servant, Zeli, who had given tribute in the past and works in the house of one of the nobility under the True Father’s reign. There is also a Sleeping Queen who seems to be connected to the Elsira. The Keepers are trying to save everyone from the True Father and return the Sleeping Queen to her throne. I think. Note: the book, like most fantasies, contains subjects of abuse, torture, kidnapping, and other unsavory elements.

This book is part of an epic fantasy series. Though I have not read others in this series, if they are as strong in world and character building, I will probably take a look at some time. Though I would assume that some of the things I didn’t understand, I would if I’d read the first book before this one. As it is with all books in series.

Things I liked: the characters are well-developed and realistic with problems and strengths. The world-building is very well done and believable. I find the combination of medieval-like setting mixed with gas-powered vehicles, radios, and other “modern” conveniences interesting—if a little surprising in the beginning. It was unexpected and almost off-putting, but added a different and unique element to the story.

Things I didn’t like: the occasional changeover to what seemed a minor character at first that also changes to third person/present tense POV. It was disconcerting. Also, the story ends with a cliffhanger – which I do *not* like. Yes, some threads came to an end, but a huge one was left dangling which means you *have* to buy the next book to find out what happens. A marketing ploy, but I understand that. I don’t like it, but I understand it. I just wish I’d known ahead of time.

Recommendations: An interesting series, but I’d definitely recommend picking up the first book first so you understand what’s going on. Although this book (from what I’ve read elsewhere) follows different characters, the background may help you understand what’s going on better. If you like fantasy with a unique twist, I’d pick this one up.

Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

This is the first book by the author that I have read and is the second in a series. What makes this book different from most other series (from what I have gathered from other reviewers) is that the characters are different from the first book. This makes this book a very good stand alone read. The author has an engaging style making for a fairly quick read as you don't want to put the book down. It is a variation of Terry Brooks "Shanarra" series in that it uses song as a power, but in different ways. I will definitely be reading more by this author in the future.

I received a free Kindle ARC courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher. It was with the understanding that I would provide an honest review and post it on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my review blog. I also posted it to my Facebook page

This edition of the series is a prequel, it is the tale of the unseen King, a tormentor of the people and key figures that pave the way for the previous edition. There is love, family, vendetta, hope, dark magic and light magic. I was surprised as I believed this to be a continuation of the first book but alas this one provided the background for some of the key characters of the first. I look forward to book 3.

**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I tried really hard to get into this book. I feel a little bad reviewing this book as I did not know it was the second book in a series. Perhaps if I’d read book one, I wouldn’t have been so lost. Every time I put this book down. I had trouble getting back into the story. Adult high fantasy is often difficult for me and this book fell into that category.
This book was just not for me.

So, I have honestly been waiting since 2014 for this book. Since the first book was initially released in 2014, and I read it then as well as when it was re-released last year, I have been waiting and wanting to read this book for a while.

I was a little bummed that this book wasn't going to continue with Jack and Jasminda, we do get a small cameo of Jack at the start of the book, but I quickly didn't mind. Darvyn and Kyara are both fantastic characters, and this book fleshed out the world and the magic system a little more. This book also takes place along the same timeline as the first book, which is how they flesh out the world a little more.

There feels like a lot of POVs, since the book is written in third-person, it feels like there are a lot of POVs, though I think there is only 3, maybe 4. Kyara, Darvyn, and Zeli. For a good majority of the book, I wasn't sure how Zeli fit into this book, as she doesn't have really any direct connection to the main story, but it made sense by the end. I look forward to what her story is going to end up like. I heard from the author's podcast that she will have POV chapters in the fourth book, and I look forward to reading that journey. Tana and Ulani

Kyara, she is a fascinating character. An unwilling assassin, bound by blood magic, she has no joy for the tasks she's been given. It is really hard to talk about her character without spoiling anything. She has rare and ancient magic, and nobody to teach her true control. And I am so hoping that there is more of her character in the next book. And her type of magic is explored more.

Darvyn, I actually forgot that it was he who played a role in the first book in disguising Jack. Granted he was only briefly in the last chapter. I enjoyed getting to know his character. His motivations, his inner turmoil of not being able to save everybody, feeling responsible when people die, his search for his mother who he hadn't seen since he was very young. Noble to almost a fault.

He was a great character, I hope to see more of him in the next book as well.

I really liked the novel despite feeling I was missing out by starting with book two. I feel this book will be loved by a younger audience. It's full or adventure and heart.

The Mantle that separates the kingdoms of Elsira and Lagrimar is about to fall. And life will drastically change for both kingdoms.

Born with a deadly magic she cannot control, Kyara is forced to become an assassin. Known as the Poison Flame in the kingdom of Lagrimar, she is notorious and lethal, but secretly seeks freedom from both her untamed power and the blood spell that commands her. She is tasked with capturing the legendary rebel called the Shadowfox, but everything changes when she learns her target’s true identity.

Darvyn ol-Tahlyro may be the most powerful Earthsinger in generations, but guilt over those he couldn’t save tortures him daily. He isn’t sure he can trust the mysterious young woman who claims to need his help, but when he discovers Kyara can unlock the secrets of his past, he can’t stay away.

Kyara and Darvyn grapple with betrayal, old promises, and older prophecies—all while trying to stop a war. And when a new threat emerges, they must beat the odds to save both kingdoms. - Goodreads



If you haven't read book one, you most certainly cannot read this without it. And if you haven't checked out my review of the first book it is here.


This is rated Young Adult but I consider it New Adult. There is stuff that happens towards the end of the book that really brings that into question. But I loved this book. It took a little bit for the ball to get rolling but once it did, I couldn't put it down.


Kyara and Darvyn are one of my favorite FAVORITE characters I have read in 2019. I loved everything about their romance but most importantly I loved them and their individual stories and how it ties together. They are genuine characters, who struggle with their duties, loyalties (and lack there of) and their need for freedom and peace. And in the mist of all the mess, they were able to forge something together and man,I have nothing but respect for that.


Kyara is that character that a reader doesn't pity or feel any form of bad for. Why? Because she handles it. And she handles it with such conviction, the reader instantly falls in love with her. She doesn't self pity, which is a breathe of fresh air for tormented characters. She accepts what she cannot change, however she grows and gains an understanding of not only herself but the world that was made to fear her.


Darvyn must be protected at all costs and doesn't deserve the hurt that came his way. That sums up everything I feel about him.


The world building in this series is skillful. Nothing felt as if the author was tying to drag the story along nor was it overly complicated where the reader gets lost. It is detailed and developed with strong imagery as well as language.


The only thing about this novel that I struggled with was the different voices. Kyara and Darvyn aren't the only characters that have a say in this novel and at some points it was a bit hard to keep up. 


Other than that, I loved book two and the sly thing the author did with tying it to book one. It made the book perfect. 


Overall, 


4.5 Pickles

I found this book a little hard going to start with, though that may well just be me and the Authors writing style. But one I was a good few chapters in I began to really enjoy it. I began to like the main characters which I didn't to start with, but much of the story did not surprise me, and the plot was reasonably obvious. Still I enjoyed it, and would read the squeal when that comes along!

To me this book is an amazing commentary on the capricious nature of rulers. Even the wise "queen who sleeps" has prejudices and shows little care for her messenger and flock. This begs the question, why must this necessary fight be in her name? Why can't fairness and justice be sufficient sources of inspiration?
Darvyn's new task will necessarily dovetail with his personal goals, but that kind of rankles to me. I wish the queen who sleeps and her family would just shuffle off permanently, but I guess where would the fun be in that. The book definitely left me wanting more, so I'm off to get the next one in the series. Thank you for the free copy, these opinions are my own.

*I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the free book*

This second installment in a trilogy does not continue the stories of our protagonists from book 1. I was a bit annoyed by that at first but I can see why. Anyhow, this book takes place two weeks before the end of the first book and it doesn't really affect this ending at all. We, the readers, already know what is happening and I wasn't too attached to the characters which is why I didn't care too much.

The characters were okay, it was nice to get to know a bit more about the other country in this conflict, the rebels and their past plus that there is not only Earthsong but also Nethersong, but it didn't get to me as much as the first one did.

The romance was also a bit annoying. I know this is a thing in novels but you don't fall in love within a week and are then willing to give your life for the other person etc. It's just a bit too much.

And I really dislike that the women are so very passive in the sex scenes. Yes, there's female orgasms in this one and it's good that they are described because it's not about the man's pleasure only, yet begging for penetration all the time is just...ughh. I don't know, seriously, girls, go get what you want and not beg for it.

I'm not really excited for #3 but I'd like to know how the story will continue in this newly, forcibly united country.

3 Stars

As I could not finish the first book due to poor writing and graphic depictions of sexual assault, I won’t be able to read and review this book either. Apologies.

I LOVE the cover!

More complex and enjoyable than the first novel–

Where the first novel lacked world-building and at times, I lost interest, the ability to see the other perspective and the other world was intriguing.

Whispers of Shadow & Flame
by L. Penelope
Whispers of Shadow and Flame has a unique concept. The Idea that magic is born with the population from the beginning. The meteoric rise of The True Father was at the expense of the population. He stole the power from the Queen who never dies. The Lagrimari people are manipulated by propaganda ideology to give their magic, their song to the True Father. This gives the True Father more power, but also keeps the population under his influence. The idea of rebellion against the True Father is contrary to his intention. The book has a significant impulse to understand how populations are controlled by despot leaders/ Its pages give warning to the world about learning to understand the truth inside the propaganda and the ability to stand up for human rights. I was absorbed in the pages, needing to find the connections between the characters, and the solution of the story. I will happily wait for the next entry in the series to see the solution to the problems outlined in this story beginning. This would be a great book for middle school and high school, not only giving the paranormal interest but also teaching them how to understand and defend themselves against propaganda.

I really wasn't sure what to expect with this one, but I was actually pleasantly surprised and very excited I had the chance to find and read this! I hadn't heard much, or anything really, about this series before, but it's well written and I loved with world-building and characters!