*Review to be posted on my blog on 5/13/21*

**3.5 STARS**

I Liked:
*Absolutely love the cover! Both covers for this series are so beautiful.

*I actually enjoyed this book more than I did A Song Below Water and I think because Naema’s voice is so strong whereas in the previous book, Effie and Tavia almost blended together. But Naema is vocal, she knows who she is, and how she wants to be perceived at online and in person. She is flawed but that’s why I liked learning about her character. Naema is the “mean girl” from the first book but this is her story now, and I like how she confronts her struggle about being Eloko and a black girl.

*I think I got a better understanding of what Eloko means from this book, but still, not totally, not even Naema knows much about her magic as an Eloko is seems. I liked that Naema leaves Portland, where Eloko are well known and visits her family in Arizona. She’s out of her element and we get to see her interact with family who she hasn’t seen in awhile, we also learn a little more about how Eloko connect to their Ancestors.

*I liked how she and Tavia come together at the end to fight something bigger than the drama between the two of them. I like how the issues of social media and how the media as whole perceives or creates certain storylines to fit their agenda.

Random Notes:
Triggers: racism, hate crimes

*This is supposedly a companion novel instead of part of a series and can be read alone, but I’d be lost if I didn’t read A Song Below Water beforehand. I would recommend reading A Song Below Water first.

*Naema isn’t a likable character in book one and even in the beginning of A Chorus Rises, but she grew on me and owned up to some of her mistakes by the end.

*I still feel like Elokos are vague after reading both books. Would like to have more information about them and world building.

Final Thoughts:
I enjoyed how this story explores racism, and media’s role in a sensitive situation like Naema and Tavia’s story through an urban fantasy lens. We had Tavia’s story in book one and Naema was the mean girl. Now it’s the mean girl’s turn to tell her story and I her complicated and someone trying to figure out what being black and Eloko means. I do recommend reading A Song Below Water before this one to get the whole picture of what happens with these girls, if not you might be a little lost.

I have been anticipating this book ever since I read A Song Below Water and I am extremely happy that I was given this advanced reader copy.

I definitely recommend reading the first book in this duology since everything connects back to that book and I would see someone being extremely confused as to what was going on in this book.

Even though the writing style can be confusing at some points (not counting the grammatical errors that will be fixed in the final copy), it is extremely atmospheric and interesting to the point where you become engrossed in the story. The characters really come to life and you learn to understand each of them in the roles that they take in Naemas(the MC’s) life. I also think that the articles that were incorporated into this story brought a whole other aspect to the development of the plot and the main character.

I didn’t love this as much as I liked A Song Below Water but I think I can contribute that to the main character of this book. The first book has two main characters, which fits with that part of the story, but I think that I liked those characters much more than I liked the main character of A Chorus Rises. Naema is extremely obnoxious in the beginning, pouting about how everything is pitted against her, even with her rude past. In this sequel you see her develop into a more well-rounded individual who is aware of the people around her, but she can get annoying at some parts. Despite my dislike of this character, I think this was the perfect idea for the sequel of A Song Below Water and the best pick for an MC.

Overall the writing in this story and the interesting storyline were extremely enjoyable to read about.

When I first requested this book I wasn't aware that it was a sequel, so quickly borrowed the first book from my library so I could read this one.

While I thought Naema was beyond redemption based on the events of the first book, this book did an interesting and careful approach in how it went about telling that narrative. I found her to be a bit grating at first but that only makes her character development throughout the duration of the story that much more apparent.

I felt like this book didn't have a plot as action oriented or exciting as the first book, but it was still enjoyable! The only thing I will say is that although it says you can read this book as a standalone, I think I would have been quite lost if I hadn't read the first book beforehand.

Overall, a solid read with a STUNNING cover! Thank you NetGalley for sending me a copy of this book for review.

Honestly, I liked this more than A Song Below Water (which I recommend reading first), but that’s not really saying too much. I feel like the execution is much better than the first novel, the writing is less stilted, and I think the themes come across a lot more smoothly. However, I really dislike Naema. I find her extremely unlikable. She’s exceedingly self-centered for most of the book and I find that her redemption arc comes a little too late for me.

At the beginning of the book I would say that I hated Naema. She was quite villainous in the first book and I didn’t really see how this book would make me like her more. It’s maybe made me tone down my dislike from 100% down to 70%. For most of the book she’s really only looking out for number one, damn the consequences, wrecking destruction with poorly considered words and actions. Maybe it’s because I’m so anti-conflict and she seems more confrontational, that I don’t like her? I’m not really sure. In the end, I still dislike her and I don’t really want to read anymore about her, but I still find myself intrigued by the world that she lives in.

I wouldn’t say that the world-building is a strong aspect of this book, but I do think the world that Morrow has built is interesting. I still like the idea of a world inhabited by eloko, sirens, mermaids, and gargoyles. However, Morrow doesn’t often explain most of these beings or the magic system, which I think is almost too strong of a term for what is going on here. She doesn’t really give herself much of a chance though with writing books that are under three hundred pages. Since, they are so short that leads me to conclude that these books aren’t really about the fantasy element at all but the themes and issues the author wants to discuss.

This book excels where the first one let me down. The way that Morrow incorporated the themes and issues that she wanted discuss ranging for misogynoir, intersectionality, racism, privilege, the power of celebrity, and radicalism. These were woven much more seamlessly into the narrative when compared to the first book where the plot would stop to talk about issues. Naema confronts these issues is a more direct way and is much more vocal about it, so perhaps that is why these issues were better integrated in mostly dialogue, when compared to the internal monologue of the first book.

Overall, I would recommend this for readers who liked A Song Below Water, fantasy mixed into their social justice, and books with black girl magic. I’m not sure if I’ll read another book in this series, if one ever comes out. However, I am interested in So Many Beginnings: A Little Women Remix. So, I’ll probably try that one out and see if third time is the charm to absolutely fall in love with Bethany C. Morrow, but if I don’t, that’s fine. I can see the merits of these books, I can openly acknowledge that they weren’t written for me in mind, and I can still recommend them to readers.

Thank you to Tor Teen and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC of this book, however all thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

DNF 30%
Unfortunately, I have to echo what so many others have already said and agree that this shouldn't have been marketed as suitable to be read as a stand alone. Saying that, I have read the second book in a series before having read the first and have thoroughly enjoyed it, this one however just isn't working out. I'm having a great deal of difficulty bonding with the characters, I am confused and I still do not fully understand what an Eloko is.

Not only that, but a third of the way through and absolutely nothing has happened yet. Just a lot of whining from the protagonist and constant references to past events that I do not understand.

I'd only recommend this to people who have read and enjoyed the first installment.

A Song Below Water introduced important and necessary conversations about race and racial identity in a fantasy setting. It was a genius move on the author’s part, and transitions you into A Chorus Rises, in which the magical identity of the main characters takes a sideline to the very real racial prejudices still impacting the black community. These books are so important.

A Chorus Rises
Many thanks to Tor Teen for my digital review copy of this book in exchange for my impartial review. This, in no way affected my review, which was written voluntarily.

A Chorus Rises is the sequel to A Song Below Water, and it tells Naema’s story after the events of ASBW. Naema wasn’t my favorite character from ASBW, and I was really intrigued to see how the author was going to handle her character. I’m glad to say that I loved it. Naema is not perfect, and she never pretended to be. Bethany C. Morrow also did not do a full 180 with Naema’s character to make her unbelievably likeable or give her a tragic backstory to justify why she was Book 1’s mean girl.

Naema is struggling with the blow out of her actions in ASBW. The media is against her, the people of Portland don’t love her as much as they used to, and LOVE, her safe haven, is reforming itself to not be Eloko-centric. Tavia got a movie deal, and everyone is head over heels with the movie – Naema hates this because the movie both casts her as a villain and erases her Eloko identity at the same time.

This is a great story of finding yourself, being enough for yourself, coming into your own, and dealing with changes. Naema finds herself alone after feeling left out by her family and friends, and takes a trip out of Portland to reconnect with her extended family. There, she faces many questions about what it really means to be Eloko.

Naema has to deal with some toxic fans who think that the only way to ‘keep Naema safe’ is to harm some black girls and women. Another thing explored by this book which I appreciate is Naema’s experience with being Stoned and what that was like for her.

I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait for everyone to read and love it when it’s out on the first of June.

I wasn't expecting to feel sympathy for this book's MC who was a part protagonist in the first book. Lovely story and even better messages. A+

4.5 Stars

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Teen for the arc of this book.

After the events of A Song Below Water, Naema feels like she is living in an Upside-Down Portland. The community that used to love and praise her for being an Eloko has turned against her and is siding with Tavia, going so far as to overtake the social media site she loves, Eloko Verified, and expand it to all magic users, as well as making a movie about Tavia and Effie and the "Awakening." And not only has the world changed for Naema since the prom, but she's changed on the inside as well. Ever since those 6 hours in the Stone, there has been something different about her and her magic, and she needs to know what.

I was hesitant at first when this started from Naema's point of view. She was pretty villainous in the first book, and I wasn't sure I would be able to sympathize with her after what she did to Tavia in A Song Below Water. And true to character, Ny continued to be.... very self-involved....for the majority of this book. Her learning journey was slow, but I loved the way this book ended and everything that brought her to the point she got to.

There are so many wonderful themes in this book, and the one that impacted me the most was the idea that people are allowed to not get along, and it doesn't need to be made out to be more than it is. Tavia and Naema didn't like each other, but everyone tries to make it about what communities they belong to instead of just...that they individually dislike each other. Which is fine.

The writing in this book is super relatable and easy to follow. It's absolutely beautiful and I was really gripped by the story and pulled in the entire time. This is definitely the kind of book you could read in one sitting!

Pub Date: June 1, 2021
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Stalking

3.5 stars

Morrow - once again - absolutely kills it with creative and revealing explorations of misogynoir, intersectionality, and domestic terrorism all with the help of some magical realism in Portland.

Readers of the first book in this series will enjoy the sequel, for the most part, but readers who have not read the first installment may struggle with finding their footing here. Naema is rightfully infuriated by what happened to her when we left her in book one, and she is now attempting to deal with the aftermath of being "Stoned." She REALLY digs in to why she is frustrated and continues to let that frustration build in a number of ways.

I love the way Morrow creates the siren/gorgon/Eloko world, and how she uses this space as a backdrop for ongoing social nightmares. The creation of the list (I'm keeping that vague to avoid spoilers), the explorations of social media, and the depictions of local terrorism by mediocre white dudes hiding in plain - and I do mean basic - sight are all highlights.

At times, I hoped for swifter plotting and more growth from the m.c., but overall, this is an enjoyable read that I'll recommend to students for many different reasons.

This was a great sequel. The focus moved to a secondary character from the first book. This character was a typical “mean girl” in the first book so it was interesting to see how the author was able to turn her into a sympathetic character. The action moves away from Portland and into Arizona when the protagonist goes to visit relatives. She is moving from a place where her magical abilities are revered to a place where it isn’t as important. Who is she if she isn’t celebrated for her abilities?

One of the best stories I have read in 2021 so far. A fabulous and magical story that is written so well with such well-rounded characters. There is something about realism within the fantastical, and I love that about A Chorus Rises by Bethany C. Morrow. This is about teenagers trying to figure out who they are as a whole: racism, xenophobia, family, friendship, staying true, all of it. We are constantly reminded that we are bigger than our worst moments, no matter how complicated we are.

Teen readers will truly enjoy Bethany C. Morrow's book, A Chorus Rises. Her writing is as magical as her characters in this fantasy novel that connects to real world issues of social justice, connecting with and holding on to friends, and finding your voice. I can't wait to share this book with my 8th graders as I know the characters and the storyline is something they can all directly connect to. I also know that they will be knocked out by the breathtaking cover. Thank you, netgalley, for the e-arc, but I will also purchase this book simply for the cover art. #blackgirlmagic #achorusrises @bcmorrow

There is something refreshing about Morrow’s ability to deep dive into complex, real problems while honoring a fantastical experience in a unique world that is both completely familiar and entirely surreal. The second in the series, A Chorus Rises follows Naema, popular influencer turned public pariah when she is cast as the enemy of Tavia, recently outed siren.

This is a story of teen angst, of longing to be understood and longing to understand oneself. Of family and friendship, of racism and xenophobia, of banding together while still being true to who you are. We are constantly reminded that we are complicated, whether we’re your standard human folk or of the magical variety, and we are more than our worst moments.

Though this is a sequel, I believe you can read this as a standalone and there is enough world-building to catch you up to speed early on. If you’ve read the initial book, A Song Below Water, you may assume there is no way you can change your point of view on our characters. I would guess you may be surprised. Morrow writes characters that are relatable, frustrating, and authentically teenaged.

I recommend this emotional, well-paced, light fantasy adventure for lovers of Black Girl Unlimited, Dear Martin, Slay, and Children of Blood and Bone.

~A Chorus Rises Review~
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2.5/5
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This cover is absolutely stunning and I was so excited to get approved for this one on Netgalley! I enjoyed A Song Below Water but it’s been awhile since I read it so I’m excited to see how this one compares
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Pros:
+i think this brings up some really interesting discussions about intersectionality and struggling with your identity. Feeling like you need to code switch and compartmentalize parts of who you are.
+also a very good discussion surrounding social media and the negative effects it can have on people
+unique voice
+i love seeing family dynamics in books
+i still think this urban fantasy world is super cool and i like how this one focuses more on eloko
+i liked the conversation she had with leona fowl at the restaurant. very important points were made.
+honestly the ending made it worth it.
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Cons:
-It was a little hard understanding what was going on at first because I hadn’t read A Song Below Water recently so all the references to that kind of went over my head
-veryyyyy slow start. i’m almost a third of the way through the book and i feel like nothing exciting has happened at all
-i’m honestly confused because there doesn’t seem to be a concrete plot but the book isn’t really character based? i feel like i barely know anything about naema
-if i wasn’t reviewing this book for netgalley im not sure if i would have finished it. but i continued on cause i wanted to make sure i was giving it a fair shot and the ending did end up being my favorite part of the book
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I have a lot of mixed feelings on this one. I think it brought up a lot of really important conversations that i haven’t seen brought up in books before but I can’t honestly say i enjoyed this book. it was slightly confusing and slow. I think the ending was worth it and i would still recommend everyone give it a chance.

This book had a bit of a slow start; the first 20% seemed to rehash the same issues over and over; plus, Naema is not an entirely likable character at the start. However, the family reunion (and cousins Courtney in particular) seemed to inject more life and humanity into the story. Naema’s transformation throughout the book is believable and interesting. Just like the previous novel, the author does a great job of talking about big social issues, this time focusing on the dangers of online radicalization and the harmful practice of pitting people of color against each other.

I didn't realize this was a sequel when I requested it, and hadn't read the pervious book, but may people said it could be read as a standalone, so I decided to persevere. Even with all the explanations and setup, I still didn't understand the book at all as a standalone. leaving a 5 star rating because I'm required to, and I don't want to give a bad rating to a book that I just didn't understand.. I will buy the first one though, and read it sometime later this year! And I'll leave a review for this book on all shopping outlets if I read it x

After really enjoying the first book in this series I was so happy to be granted early access to the 2nd book! The cover is beautiful, I love the colours and the illustration. I was very hesitant on whether I would connect with Naema in this book after the first one but wow my mind was changed. I love to see character development and characters can change, just because they've done something bad doesn't mean they cant change and become a better person.

After tearing through the first one, I was nervous that this would fall under the "second book slump" but this did NOT at all.

This is just as good, if not better, than the first novel (A SONG BELOW WATER). If you liked the first, this is a must read sequel that expands the lore, world, and characters.

Really loved this one.

Coming off of A Song Below Water, it takes a while to warm up to this book's main character Nadia, who was something of an antagonist in the first book. Nadia retains a level of self-absorption that reminds you that she is far from perfect, but that she isn't wrong to feel that the attack on her in the last book was was awful and has had lasting traumatic effects. As the reader becomes more sympathetic to Nadia, she too gains a level of perspective on her earlier behavior, seeks solidarity with the black magical community.