Life got in the way and I could not finish the book. Thanks to the publishers for the chance to read the book.

Sadly, I went on too many requesting sprees early in my NetGalley journey and it has tanked my ratio. Now that I’m taking my role as a reviewer more seriously, I’m being more intentional with the books I request and clearing out my shelves of books that I’m no longer interested in.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book. When I finally read it, I will come back and write a review.

I really should just give up on scifi 🫠 Alechia’s books always have premise that sound like I would totally jive with and love, but each time it just doesn’t work out. I have loved her middle grade and fantasy books, and look forward to more books from her.

This is the third and possibly final novel in Dow’s series that began with The Sound of Stars and progressed into Kindred. Each tale has featured unlikely couples whose actions help to stave off—or change—the reach of the Ilori Empire, which seeks to take over and destroy all planets in their path. Song of Salvation is a bonus romance: The two main point of view characters aren’t into each other, but both have their own love interest who plays an important role in the story. Zaira, who holds the soul and memories of a god, is supposed to be sacrificed by the Ilori. But when she escapes, getting help from Wesley Daniels, a pilot who thinks he’s only looking out for himself. Together, they intend to get wanted-celebrity Rubin Rima to Earth, where the war for the galaxy’s freedom has started, but their path twists and turns, leading them to other planets, and other destinies, before they find their futures.

Wesley and Rubin have a sweet romance that builds across their journey together; Zaira only dreams of her future love until most of the way through the book. All of the main characters have faced great losses, which makes them in tune with each other in a way that fully embraces found family tropes to their best. While this is a stand-alone, it’s enhanced by reading the other two books first, as the main characters from previous volumes show up at just the right moments. It’s a satisfying culmination to the series—but it leaves plenty of room in the galaxy for more tales to tell and songs to sing.

Zaira has known her destiny since birth as the reincarnation of the God, Indigo. Or so she thinks.
Wesley dreams of being the best space pilot there is. But that freedom requires money.
This book made me laugh, made me nearly cry, made me angry, and confused me. What does a space pilot, radio DJ, and a reborn God have in common? Aside from sounding like a bad joke? Sensitive Souls, insecurities, hearts of gold, that's just a few of the qualities they share.
This cosplay/book look was inspired by when Zaira and Rueben become besties. Plus hello purple and the cover, it's perfect. Although I'm channeling more Zaira in looks, I'm also channeling Rueben's confidence in owning looks flaws and all. (Pssst: I also found my wedding dress so I'm as happy as can be. So I'm not overanalyzing my imperfections.)

A Song of Salvation has found family, LGBTQIA rep, underdog overcomes and so much more. The Ilori don't stand a chance at making this book unlovable.

I dnf’d this one at the 20% mark. While I enjoyed the multi POV I just wasn’t connecting with the story.

In a universe threatened by destruction, teenager Zaira Citlali discovers she is the reincarnation of the creator god Indigo, tasked with restoring balance and defeating the god of Destruction, Ozvios. With the power of music as her weapon, Zaira must awaken Indigo's abilities within herself while navigating alliances and betrayals in an intergalactic war. Interweaving narratives from Zaira, empath Wesley Daniels, and podcast transcripts, the novel offers a rock-solid story rich with humor, suspense, and fully developed characters. Through its Black protagonists, the story explores themes of colonization and trauma, delivering an uplifting message of love and acceptance in the face of chaos.

Okay, so. While it's marked as a standalone, this book is NOT - it's book 3 in a trilogy of interconnected-universe books. I've only read one of the other two, so I was a bit lost, but muddled along okay. I'm giving this 4 stars though - a star taken off for NO NOTICE of it being a trilogy. Otherwise, the writing was lush and lyrical, flowed really well, and I could definitely see the universe she had created in my mind. HOWEVER, I'll be checking her next couple books closely to see if they inter-link.

I genuinely wish that Alechia Dow's sci-fi books could be our generation's Star Wars. They are so incredibly full of heart and humor, a love for art, and a zest for life. This book was a fantastic way to wrap up the saga of the universe Alechia has created. The protagonists are a delight in the way they interact with each other and the worlds around them, and the appearances of previous books' characters were a welcome surprise. I just wish it could've lasted a little longer; I didn't want to leave this story!

A fun romp through space with fun references both for fans of Alechia Dow and beloved SF franchises.

A really liked the premise for this one, with it being a premise that I look for when I am reading YA fantasy. Unfortunately, I will probably end up coming back to this one later, as right now my brain couldn't handle a high stakes fantasy sci-fi situation. Very intrigued for when I do come back to it though!

Alecia Dow’s “A Song of Salvation” is a young adult fantasy book that will grip you from the very beginning. The book centers around three friends who are tasked with saving their worlds as they know it. Each character is written with the depth and motivations that connects with me as a readers. Throughout the novel each of the characters; Zaria, Wesely, and Rubin develop and change as they are coming of age.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book, as this book has already been published, I will not share my review on Netgalley at this time.

The narrative weaves the destinies of Zaira, Wesley, and Rubin, as cosmic forces bring them together to face the threat of the Ilori. Dow, known for centering queerness and Blackness, portrays a diverse range of asexual identities authentically. The plot, filled with action and melodrama, maintains a well-balanced pace. Despite a touch of instalove and a desire for more character development, the book delivers a thrilling ride with intersecting storylines from the previous novels.

Things don't always work out as planned, especially when a reincarnated god and grumpy driver have to work together to save the Universe. While things might not always go as planned, sometimes what happens in stead is better. "A Song of Salvation" illustrates that point when Zairu must travel back to Earth, unlock her powers, and save the Universe.
This story was delightful and empowering to read. If you are a fan of science-fiction and the grumpy/sunshine dynamic, then you will love this book.

Beautiful cover, and a beautiful book. The story was so unique, while also feeling like teenagers you could meet today. This book definitely falls under the type of sci-fi that feels like fantasy umbrella, but no complaint from me because I enjoy both! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Charming and grounded characters handle racial/social and familial pain that will be familiar to many readers, set against a wild sci-fi adventure perfect for fans of the Crownchasers duology.

Book Summary:

Zaira Citali was born to die. Her sacrifice is meant to be in Ozvios's honor, but Zaira has trouble seeing it that way, so she promptly escapes. On her way to freedom, Zaira ran into Wesley – the boy prophesied to help defeat Ozvios.

Admittedly, this isn't a task that Wesley asked for. But then again, what child of prophecy ever had the chance to sign off on it? But together, he and Zaira are about to change the universe, hopefully for the better.

My Review:

Oh yes! I adore space operas. (Seriously, I can't get enough, so send me your recommendations!) Naturally, that meant I dove to read A Song of Salvation. While it is a solid science fiction novel, it does have fantasy and young adult elements, making it a unique blend of the three.

I should probably mention that while A Song of Salvation is billed as a standalone, it is technically the conclusion to one of Alechia Dow's trilogies. I didn't know that until after, so I deeply regret reading this out of order. You can still appreciate the book for what it is (I did), but I feel like you'll miss out on the opportunity to read the series as it was written.

What I loved the most about A Song of Salvation is Alechia Dow's take. I love her writing style and how she chose to see the world (universe?). Her story has found family, action and adventure, reincarnation elements, and a romantic subplot. In other words, it has something for everyone.

Highlights:
Space Opera
LGBT
Reincarnation

Thanks to Inkyard Press and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Alechia Dow DID NOT DISAPPOINT. Blown away, as per usual, by her writing style, characters, and plot. I loved the tie backs to both the Sound of Stars and the Kindred. Perfection. Also, gay grumpy-sunshine? I'm in. Then again, I'm always down for grumpy-sunshine so the gay part was icing on a very delicious cake. How does she make her aliens so human and relatable yet so... alien for lack of better terminology in my brain space.

I cannot wait for her next novel.

I have enjoyed the other Alechia Dow books I've read and this one is no different. I love the youthful take on sci-fit you find in her books, I mean it has it all, found family, insta-love, magic and adventure. I enjoyed this one as mush as I enjoyed the other books in this universe. (plus we get some cameos)
Not only to we get a interested sci-fi ya with Zaira who had the power of a god and Wesley a smuggler, but er have fat rep, black rep, lgbtq rep.
She is an instant buy for me. I look forward to the day my daughter will read these because this is definitely the rep that was not there for me when I was in high school.