I did like this book better than the first, because Farrin somehow seems like a better character than her sister. There is a lot in the story, and would usually like long books, but this one was longer than I would have liked. Overall, it was ok, but better than first one. I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am a big fan of Claire Legrand and her Empirium trilogy so I had big hopes for her new series. I had some mixed feeling towards to first book, so I was a bit hesitant to pick up the second book of the series. And I was so glad that I did!

In A Song of Ash and Moonlight we follow another sister of the Ashbourne family and while I thought that the pace of the story could've been picked up a bit, I loved that we as readers learnt more about the magic and history of this world. The worldbuilding is really amazing and while we got a lot of answers there were also some new questions that make me so excited for book 3!
The romance part was also really amazing - I love me some slow burn, enemies to lovers romance - throw in the "He falls first" trope and I'm all in.

If you're looking for a great fantasy series, where you're not instantly bombarded with a ton of information and new things, with great worldbuilding, mystery and romance, this is the one! I would definitely recommend this!

**Review of *A Song of Ash and Moonlight* by Claire Legrand**

Claire Legrand’s *A Song of Ash and Moonlight* is a breathtaking tapestry of rich world-building and deeply resonant themes. Legrand crafts a mesmerizing narrative that weaves together elements of magic, betrayal, and the complexities of identity, all while keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

The characters are vividly drawn and relatable, each with their own struggles and motivations that resonate deeply. The protagonist's journey is both personal and universal, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and the quest for belonging. Legrand’s lyrical prose captures the beauty and darkness of her world, immersing readers in a landscape that feels both familiar and entirely unique.

The pacing is expertly balanced, blending moments of tension with quieter, reflective scenes that allow for character development and emotional depth. The plot twists are unpredictable, ensuring that readers remain engaged until the very last page.

Overall, *A Song of Ash and Moonlight* is a masterful blend of fantasy and emotion, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys richly developed characters and an intricately woven story. Legrand has once again proven her talent for creating an unforgettable narrative that lingers long after the final chapter.

"None of your children asked to be born into your war, and yet we're the ones doing all the work to end it."

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Content warnings: death (including a gory one at the end), parental abandonment, physical abuse

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for a copy of this book for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I read this via an e-book ARC, purchased physical copy, and library audiobook.

I had been checking for this book every day since it got into its ARC season and managed to snag an ARC during a timed "read now" giveaway! I wanted to read this book badly because, while I didn't love book 1, Claire Legrand is still one of my favorite authors, and this book's main characters are my favorite characters from book 1 (other than Gareth, love him too).

A Song of Ash and Moonlight follows Farrin Ashbourne, the oldest of the three Ashbourne daughters. Farrin essentially took over managing the entire household after her mother abandoned them and her father became emotionally detached, so she is definitely giving firstborn daughter syndrome and we love to see it. In the present, Farrin is stuck managing a timid alliance with the Basks (including their son, the annoyingly handsome and rude Ryder), and convincing the rest of the nobles they've broken their curse of hatred. Unfortunately, there are worse things to deal with, like the Queen behaving strangely, the Mist starting to disappear, and people along with it. Can Farrin and her sisters and their allies figure out what is happening while there's still time to intervene?

I waited a week to review this book and still feel torn on what I want to say! I did really enjoy the characters and related much more to Farrin than Gemma. I also liked Ryder more than Talan and the romance overall better than book 1. The romance scenes were not at all what I'd been expecting before starting the book, but I do really like the representation of people learning to be comfortable in and unashamed of their own bodies. I also loved getting to see more of the side characters like Gareth and Mara.

I also enjoyed the atmosphere of the book and had high intrigue for most of the story. I finished a 600 page book in 20 days, which for me is 1/3 of how long I'd usually take! I think I was hooked for the first 70-75% or so. Unfortunately, I still have no idea how I feel about the plot. It was much better than book 1, but it felt like there were so many plot twists (I anticipated the one involving the queen since the beginning) at the end and I just.... didn't care? I read it all and closed the book and said "... okay!" and didn't think about it again. I hate that I can't label what was wrong to me! Is it just that I wasn't interested in the plotline? I did think it felt more cohesive and part of one story than the first book! I was also disappointed with how the discovery of who the boy from Farrin's dreams went. It seemed so illogical how long it took her to realize and, while I understand to some degree how she reacted, I hated the way it played out. The plot twist involving the sisters' abilities also didn't appeal to me, but mostly out of disinterest.

If book 3 is about Mara and who I assume is the love interest, I definitely still plan to read it, but I do think that this will probably end up being my favorite book of the series. I'd love to be wrong, though. Legrand has written some of the best conclusions to wild plotlines that I've ever read, so I know she's capable!

I'm not sure how I missed this was a series but I still had a lot of fun! This author has a fantastic voice.

Great addition to this series. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this novel. I highly enjoyed it and will be recommending it to others.

I loved reading about Edyn and being back in the middle mist world. These sisters are all special and have such significant parts to this story, it was so fun to read about them! The story gets in-depth snd is difficult to put down. Stop all your weekend plans and continue into this beloved world!

I will always love Claire Legrand's work! This didn't disappoint and is sure to thrill those who love her other adult works and adult romantasy in general.

A Song of Ash and Moonlight, by Claire Legrand, is the second installment in the authors Middlemist trilogy. This story takes place in a world known as Edyn. Three sisters (Farrin, Gemma, and Mara) in a noble magic family must fight to protect their home from invasion by the creatures of the Old Country—the realm of the gods and the birthplace of magic—before the weakening Middlemist, the boundary dividing the two worlds, disappears forever. This story revolves around Farrin Ashbourne, the older of three sisters, and Ryder Bask, the son of Lord Alastair Bask. The two families have been at war for many years.

Farrin has a musical ability that can sway people to do as she pleases, or become obsessed with her and she has previously used that ability to sing and help her sister save her lover from the last book. Unfortunately she feels that her gift is a curse more than a blessing, and she tries to seclude herself in the running of the family estate but her father has become more and more derange and possibly harmful. The one person she finds she can turn to is actually someone who has been her families enemy for most of her life, Ryder.

Ryder is tired of the feud that has kept their families apart for years and just wants to make things right between the two and overcome the dangers that are trying to effect the kingdom they live in. He finds he can relate to Farrin and that he wants to spend more and more time with her and as they both look to find what is harming the Middlemist and the queen herself they find themselves together more and more. Will Farrin let Ryder in fully, and does Ryder truly love her for who she is or is it the fact that he has heard her magical ability multiple times and that is what lures him in.

In this world, there are people who were anointed with magical abilities from the Gods. Farrin's younger sister, Mara, was taken away from the family to become a member of the Order of the Rose. She guards against the old country and wild magic, but she can literally transform into something wild that gives her awesome abilities to be faster, stronger, more dangerous than her sisters. Farrin's father is anointed by the Gods as a Sentinel, but nothing can stop the pending death of the Mist, a magical entity that separates humans from Gods. Gemma and Talan have found love, but Talan is still weary of the return of Kilraith who has gone silent.

Farrin was first introduced as the cold, unapproachable sister in the first book. As the oldest, she barely survived the burning of her home (Ivyhill) by her families enemies. Farrin is the one that keeps the family together. After what happened to their mother and what happened to her sister when she was taken away at 10-years old, she now has to face an enemy she doesn’t know anything about, with the help of a boy she doesn’t want as friends but soon enough will realize is so much more. Her insecurities and doubts and fears are real, and so is her love for her sisters.

I think that there are a whole lot of enemies to lovers readers out there, and this will definitely satisfy that hunger. In this book, readers will see even more of the Citadel, the Old Country, the Wardwell, and Moonhollow too. The good thing about taking notes while reading, is that you know who the important characters are, and where certain events take place. Otherwise, it can be tiring trying to figure out where they are and why it's important to the story. It is pretty obvious that Mara is going to be the next featured character since the first book was Gemma. I would encourage readers to try to read this as close to back to back as you can since everything is connected.

Thank you Netgalley for the book in exchange for a review.

While the novel starts off strong, with plenty of potential for a gripping and immersive story the execution falls short in a few areas. The pacing is inconsistent, with certain sections dragging while others feel rushed and the story was just unbelievably long. It did not need to be this long.

The romance while sweet at times, lacked the depth and was very much surface level. Where there should have been conflict there wasn't which for a politically motivated novel is weird.

I am sure other people will love the deep world building, but the plot and characters were just not for me.

I was so excited for Farrin and Ryder’s story, and this did not disappoint!
Book 2 of The Middlemist Trilogy, The Song of Ash and Moonlight takes you on a journey with Farrin. With more insight into their past and what happened when their mother went away, Farrin and her sisters are discovering more about their demigod blood and gifts.
And the unfolding relationship with Ryder is beautiful.
Gorgeous storybuilding, I can’t wait until book 3!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape media for this arc in return for my honest review.

Pub date: 17 September 2024

Always an absolute fave author of mine writing just another phenomenal story that I just couldn't put down! I just ate this one up and instantly wanted to re-read the second I was finished. Everything I need and want from start to finish.

This book was amazing I couldn’t put it down was completely drawn in from the first page and hooked. I loved the characters the writing and the plot so sad it ended

Like all her books it is beautifully written, almost lyrical. The characterisation and the World building is great. This is the second instalment in the series so it must be read in order. Not only is the main characters great but also the side characters are so interesting. I feel like they could have their own stories as well.

The one negative aspect is the density of the story. The story is dance and slow moving. It did take me awhile to read. I have to admit.

Beautifully written
Great World building
Slow pace
Awesome characterizations!
Found family
Great side characters
Twisty plot
Kudos for a great cover art!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this opportunity to read rate and review this arc which is available now!!!

Oof. Now I didn’t enjoy the first book but I really enjoyed this one. And yes it is a steamy enemies to lovers book with fantasy and thrills. I highly recommend this book.

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a very interesting concept! I liked the fantasy with a sprinkle of mystery to figure out what is happening.

If you love fierce heroines, smouldering enemies-to-lovers romance, and epic fantasy worlds where gods are waking and chaos reigns, A Song of Ash and Moonlight is a must-read. The book is packed with heart-pounding action, haunting visions, and high-stakes danger. The stakes are sky-high, and the twisty, unpredictable plot is full of surprises that will leave you wanting more!

This book was not for me. I expected to really enjoy Farrin and Ryder's story, but other than Ryder, I found I had trouble getting attached to the characters. I also had trouble following the intricacies of the magic/gods/system. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to like or dislike Yvaine, and while it seems that's the point for much of the book, I found it confusing and disorienting rather than mysterious. It wasn't always clear how the events playing out in this book related to the events of the previous book.

WHAT A TWIST

I gasped out loud at the reveal- what a well placed twist to lead into the third and final book in this series. I'm so glad I continued and picked this book up because I really enjoyed Farrin and Ryder's story. Assuming Gareth and Mara will be featured in the third and theirs might just be my favorite yet.

Thank you Netgalley for the advance audiobook and reader copy of A Song of Ash and Moonlight by Claire Legrand in exchange for an honest review. What an epic journey this book is. This is book two in the series and even though I haven't read the first, I still really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and the duality that everyone had and how it was portrayed either as good, bad or both.