Songlight explores a world where individuals with telepathic abilities are marginalized in a stark, post-apocalyptic society echoing ancient civilizations. Set against a backdrop of violence, misogyny, and homophobia, the narrative unfolds in a dictatorial regime where dogma and propaganda govern everyday life. Through multiple perspectives—ranging from young warriors at sea to those entrenched in urban political centers—the author crafts a vivid, immersive experience.

This debut novel draws inspiration from literary giants like Atwood and Le Guin, and their influence is evident in its nuanced storytelling. The book serves as a compelling escape, featuring beautifully constructed plot twists and a richly developed world.

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Oh YA dystopian fiction, you are always so good to me! I loved this story where those with songlight are ‘unhuman’ and dehumanised in the worst possible way if caught. Where propaganda maintains a war, the people unaware of the State’s true agenda. Many of the tropes you’d expect to find are here, so in that sense, nothing original, but it’s done really well, which makes all the difference.

Set in a post apocalyptic future, people with the power of Songlight, a type of telepathy, are reviled and hunted down, branded as unhuman. In the small coastal town of Northaven, the prejudice is especially rampant and Elsa Crane has lived in fear ever since her ability awakened. One day, she meets Kaira, who lives in the far away capital through her Songlight and they become friends. But a conspiracy is afoot in the city and both girls are about to be drawn into it.

While I’m not familiar with this author, the premise of this book caught my eye immediately and I knew I had to read it. The early reviews were all really positive as well, so I had been looking forward to picking this up.

The world building was fascinating, with elements that reminded me a little of The Handmaid’s Tale. It showed various aspects of the world Elsa and Kaira live in, and how, along with hiding their Songlight, they had to survive in a society where women had very few rights, basically given away as prizes to soldiers returning from war. The world actually made me quite angry, but I guess that’s how you know when a book is effectively written – and characters rising despite adversity to fight the system is a tried and true trope for this genre.

The power of songlight was so cool, and from what is hinted at in this book, has the potential to extend far beyond just telepathy. I’m really looking forward to seeing how Elsa and Kaira explore their ability further and what they can do with it in the sequel.

With the heavier subject matter, I had my doubts for nearly half the book whether I would enjoy it, but once the plot started moving, I was completely hooked. The pacing was reasonably fast, and the narrative easy to read.

I did feel that the book as a whole could have been trimmed down a bit, particularly in terms of the number of POVs there were. While I’m usually all for having villain POVs, I felt it wasn’t strictly needed in this book. Elsa and Kaira were right where all the interesting stuff was happening, and I mostly just found the other POVs irritating. I also found it quite confusing that Elsa and Kaira were mostly referred to as Lark and Nightingale, their ‘Torch’ names, but it became hard to keep track.

The character development was easily the best aspect of this book. Each character had a distinct voice throughout. I loved following Elsa and Kaira’s POV and watching their friendship grow through Songlight. They were both quite naive initially, but through their bond, they learned and grew stronger. Some things still didn’t make sense to me, like how Elsa literally managed to make it to another country, and despite finding out that they were not really the enemy and it was a place where Torches could be sage, she insisted on going back to her prejudiced society and a marriage she was forced into, just so she could find Kaira and her boyfriend who might not even be alive. It was literally the dumbest thing she could do. And Kaira, who clearly had several opportunities to escape, but stayed and got caught, and for some weird reason, by the end of the book seems to have decided to help Sister Swan in her no doubt nefarious schemes?

Elsa’s brother Piper was the most infuriating character in the book, I literally needed to take a break every time a chapter with his POV showed up, because after a few chapters of him parroting propaganda, it was just irritating and broke the flow of the narrative for me. Hopefully he’s starting to come out of the indoctrination going into the next book. Similarly, Sister Swan’s POV, a Torch who is under the control of a military officer, while kind of understandable, and actually very well written from an emotional aspect, never became likeable or sympathetic. That said, the story kept moving, so though these weren’t my favorite chapters, there were major plot points unfolding in all the arcs.

I thought the ending was quite chaotic, way too much happened in the last 10% or so of the book in my opinion. With two perspectives where major events were taking place, it made it hard to keep track of everything. Nonetheless, this book ended at a rather interesting point, not truly a cliffhanger, but a conclusion that raised so many questions while also setting the stage for a very promising sequel.

Songlight was an amazing read, even more so when you consider that it is a debut novel. I’m eagerly waiting for the sequel, hopefully the wait isn’t too long! Highly recommended!

I found plot of this book intriguing but ended up quite bored. I think there were way too many POVs and characters and I had no idea who most people were, mainly in Northhaven, most of the time. A lot of the main characters I found annoying and didn’t really care for.

I thought the author did a really good job of tackling themes of propaganda and prejudice and managed to excellently portray just how deep this went in the characters and how much they had been manipulated. But other than that, I found the it all quite boring and the story didn’t really grip me all that much.

I loved reading Songlight! In a dystopian world, where people are punished for their differences, joy and hope sung through.
The book is told through multiple POVs, with characters who are all connected in some way. It was so interesting to read because we’d read one opinion of a character or an event from afar, and then the next chapter we’d see them/it up-close. It was impossible to tell who to trust, and what was real versus what was propaganda.
I loved Lark and Nightingale - both characters oppressed, but who find so much hope with each other’s help. They also became so brave. In a world where arranged marriages are the norm, it’s a story where women fight for their rights.
The setting really developed the dystopia, with a beautiful exterior and horrors just below the surface. The politics are made for “the good of the people” but they actually only benefit the people in charge.
I only wish I hadn’t read it around its release as now I have to wait even longer to see what will happen next!

Songlight is the debut novel and first instalment of the new dystopian fantasy Torch Trilogy from acclaimed screenwriter Moira Buffini. Set predominantly in the remote seaside village of Northaven, we follow Elsa (Lark) and Kaira (Nightingale) as they battle to hide their true selves to remain safe in a world where any level of diversity is harshly and brutally condemned.

The story is told using five different POVs (Lark, Rye, Piper, Nightingale and Sister Swan) which honestly could probably feel messy but works ridiculously well because of the flawlessly worked characters, each with a very distinctive viewpoint offering an alternative perspective on this turmoil-filled world. The characters are wonderfully nuanced and incredibly deep with Buffini managing to illustrate the good, the bad and even the downright ugly that can live within society. The world building is impeccable, full of vivid imagery playing to every sense which creates a very natural immersive experience that is really easy to settle into without reaching for a reference guide

The plotting and pacing are fantastic, weaving in hard hitting topics such as war, misogyny, discrimination and women's role in society which encourage you to question your own belief systems without even realising. Buffini beautifully depicts how there are always both sides of a war, filled by victims each fighting for what they believe is right. The level of manipulation and propaganda stirred by those in power bubbles throughout and quite harrowingly mimics current events around the world, showing just how easily and dangerously people can be swept away by a fabricated false narrative.

A riveting blend of dark dystopian fantasy which will have you questioning our current world,
the now long grown up original fans of The Hunger Games and readers of The Handmaid's Tale will be sure to devour this trilogy.

Thank you to @faberbooks and @thewritereads for giving me the opportunity to read this book and including me on the book tour, as always opinions are honest and my own without influence.

If you enjoyed this review come follow me on instagram @TravelsEatsReads for more

Thank you to The Write Reads and the publisher for providing me with a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions contained within are my own.

There is something about my reading tastes that I have uncovered recently. I’m not a fan of young adult dystopian novels. Now, that is nothing against the genre because I’m not the target audience! But I typically find them to be a little too dramatic in a way that just doesn’t make sense. Like drama for drama’s sake. You’re probably wondering why I signed up for a blog tour for a YA science fiction/dystopian book, then. Well, I’m a sucker for a good synopsis and, even if a book is in a genre I don’t typically like, I’m always open to giving one a chance if the synopsis pulls me in. Songlight did that and I’m so happy I decided to give it shot!

This novel follows several characters, but our main one is Elsa Crane. Elsa is what is called a Torch, someone who can access songlight which gives her amazing abilities. Unfortunately, Elsa also lives in a country where people with songlight, people like her, are hated and feared. She must hide her abilities if she doesn’t want both herself and her family to suffer. But Elsa has made contact with other Torches and, through those bonds, she starts to question everything she’s ever been told about her abilities and her country.

Now, I know I said I don’t like drama for drama’s sake, but this book was full of drama done well! The tension in this story is almost overwhelming at times, but it’s never at the sacrifice of a well-thought out story. I enjoyed getting lost in the plot of this book while watching our cast of characters trying to navigate a frightening world. There’s so much going on in this story, but I never once felt lost or out to sea. The world-building was executed quite well throughout the narrative, so that it was part of the story and not just a dump of information that didn’t flow well. It pulled me in and had me intrigued from page one!

I also thought the author did a fantastic job with creating not only Elsa, but the other POV characters that we meet throughout this novel. They all felt complex and intriguing, but unique enough that I didn’t get lost when switching POVs. I will say that I grew a little frustrated with one character, Nightingale, who seemed too trusting for her own good, but I suppose that’s what the author was going for with her. I have to assume this is the case because the decisions she made were absolutely baffling, haha. Still, I enjoyed learning about her and the others and that helped ground me in the story, as well.

I will say, this novel is a dystopian and some of it is quite dark. There’s violence, there’s death, there’s gore and other things that aren’t necessarily for the faint of heart. That being said, in my opinion it never felt like the darker scenes were thrown in for shock value. They all added to the overall story and that what can take a story from good to great.

Overall, I had a wonderful time reading Songlight. It deals with a lot of important themes and it has fantastic world-building, all surrounding an incredible cast of characters. So, even if you’re not necessarily into dystopian novels, like me, I would still recommend giving this one a try!

I'm always fascinated by anything with superpowers. How will the author use it to parallel current events? What are the ins and outs? In Songlight we're introduced to a form of telepathy that only works between certain individuals - it reminds me a little of The Tomorrow People, in its' various forms.

Moira builds her world beautifully, giving us just the right amount of background at just the right time. I was never confused by what's going on - and there's a lot going on, starting in the crushingly patriarchal village Elsa lives in, where soldiers returning from the glorious war are given two wives. The duty of every woman is to provide more sons for the endless war. Girls not chosen for this wonderful purpose are sterilised and sent to a brothel instead. Shades of Handmaids Tale, but very engrossing!

I enjoyed the plot, but I found the frequently changing POVs to be confusing in spots. One character simply falls away about two thirds of the way through - he may be important in later books, but it was odd to have him simply vanish from the story like that.

As well, the POVs are headed with the names the Torches use among themselves, which isn't usually their actual name. I found this confusing at first, it took me a while to 'hook' the fake name to the character. But I'm sure some readers will love it!

From about halfway through, politics is increasingly important in the story, as we meet and follow several of the most important people in the government. I found this well presented and made sense, but I know some readers won't enjoy reading about a political struggle.

I very much enjoyed reading this, and I can't wait for future installments - there's plenty more story in this world, and I'm excited to see where Elsa, Rye and their friends and allies find themselves next.

Set in a distopian world where those with songlight are persecuted and sinister rulers are spreading misinformation. I loved the romance and story a great first book in the trilogy can’t wait for more.

This really is dystopian at its best! The world-building is stunning, the idyllic setting contrasting with the hidden horrors. It’s complex, emotive and impressive as this tale of power, politics, freedom, and survival unravels.

The characters are superbly crafted, their hopes and fears are tangible. The oppressive society and severe rules they must live by is skilfully conveyed, we feel their struggles, the danger of being different, and the strength, power and force for good waiting to be tapped into and unleashed.

The multiple points of view add so much to the narrative, our perceptions and strength of connection to the characters. The multiple threads in play are cleverly linked together and the tension and intrigue were through the roof. Who can be trusted? Who’s friend or foe? And what if the enemy isn’t who you have been told it is your whole life? It was unputdownable!

Songlight is such a clever concept and it’s brought to life terrifically as we become aware of its gifts and burdens. Northaven’s prejudices are brutal, they destroy what they see as different. The powerlessness and injustice was heartbreaking and it draws on important themes offering much to think about.

Songlight is a captivating story about fighting for who and what you believe in and never giving up. Lost souls come together – the connections forged were beautiful, their bravery, support and love, as they realise another way of life may be possible. I’m glad this is the first of a trilogy, I need the next book ASAP!

With thanks to @The_WriteReads and @FaberBooks for my copy and place on the Tour.

Firstly, I am ecstatic that this is only the first book in a trilogy, I need more!
It’s remarkably well written full of intrigue, deception and propaganda. It hits so many important topics and points, that are really poignant in the world we live in today.

It’s a powerful read, paced well, as in I couldn’t put it down and finished it over two days. The scene setting and world building are excellent, it’s always a favourite for me and this book did not disappoint.

The characters were really interesting and well crafted even the bad guys. There’s some really good friendships and found family in there too.

This is definitely a book that could be annoyed by adults as well as YA. If you like the genre this book is for you!

Songlight is a post apocalyptic story about people with telepathic ability who are treated as lesser. I loved this story, it is slow to start but once the pace picks up i was completely immersed. I wasnt a fan of the forced marriage or mentions of rape, it made sense for the world but it bothered me. I loved our MC Else/Lark she is a great view point. I wish we got more of her story with Rye and I am looking forward to book 2 to see what happens. I like how well rounded each character was even the side characters. You wouldn't believe this is a debut novel as the author is incredibly skilled at drawing you in.

"Brightland, a promising nation at war with Ayland, is hellbent to indoctrinate its citizens of the danger of songlight. The horrors of the Chrysalid House are testament to how Brightland tortures those it labels as unhumans, people who possess this ability. Here's the thing: chrysalis are meant to nurture insects and not birds. It is no wonder why some prisoners survive as empty shells of their past selves whereas others are forced to hunt in order to survive."

Songlight is an incredible addition to the dystopian genre and I really loved the story. The novel mainly follows Elsa (Lark) who is a young woman with the power of songlight which she must keep hidden as it is forbidden in her country and she will be imprisoned and rebranded as ‘unhuman’ if anyone ever finds out. Her only chance at freedom is to escape with her boyfriend Rye but things don’t go to plan and her whole world is tipped upside down as she connects with another girl in a city far away who seems to have the strongest songlight to ever exist.

The development of the songlight power is brilliantly done as it shows how it works, how far it can go and much more to create an essential part of the novel that is both beautiful and feared by the many men in power. I loved the in depth descriptions and stunning writing throughout and it really feels like you are right there with the characters in this brutal and war torn world.

The book uses quite a few POVs including Lark, Rye, Piper, Nightingale and Sister Swan which gives the reader a glimpse into every angle of this dangerous world with views from the good and the bad side. I felt completely immersed in the story from start to finish and thought Lark and Nightingale were extremely brave for doing what they could in a place that would do anything to stop them from existing.

Songlight is set in the middle of a war and is full of topics including identity, war politics, heartbreak and betrayal as well as a gorgeous story of found family which Lark finds with Nightingale and I loved how their deep friendship developed throughout the story. I loved all of the characters and how well Buffini is able to create distinctive voices and there is definitely one character who I was pleasantly surprised by!

The plot was amazing as it kept my full attention and although it is quite a long book, the pacing was perfect with plenty of action, drama and mystery that ensured I would keep on reading. I even forgot that this was the start of a trilogy and when I reached 90% I was wondering how it was going to be wrapped up so soon and the only disappointment I felt was that now I have to wait until book 2 to find out what happens!

This is a truly exceptional first book in a trilogy and I cannot wait for the next book.

Beautiful, mesmerising, devastating. Songlight is an extraordinary dystopian novel set in the pristine Northaven. With echoes of The Handmaid's Tail the townsfolk hunt down, persecute and destroy any beings with songlight, which is the ability to connect through telepathy. We meet the most extraordinary characters: Nightingale, Lark and Rye, who are rich in love and friendship and the incredible songlight. They are all in grave danger, not only from strangers, but from those closest to them. Their nature is considered an abomination that should be repressed and destroyed. Yet, outside of this myopic existence, there are others who live in peace and freedom. When the worlds collide, will it bring peace or war? An absolutely enthralling story. I am breathless waiting on a sequel! #songlight #moirabuffini #faberamdfaber #thewritereads #netgalleyuk #dystopian #telepathy

I am thrilled to extend my heartfelt thanks to TheWritesReads and Faber for graciously providing me with a copy of Songlight by Moira Buffini.

Songlight is a mesmerizing fantasy masterpiece that unveils a meticulously crafted universe through the eyes of multiple characters. This captivating tale centres on the empowering journey of defying societal norms and expectations, even in the face of potential adversity. Moira Buffini's masterful writing skillfully weaves a tapestry of vibrant storytelling, immersing readers into the intricacies of the character's lives as they navigate personal trials and tribulations. Despite overwhelming challenges, the characters exhibit unwavering resilience and unyielding determination, which makes the narrative truly enthralling and compelling.

The main character, Elsa, harbours a concealed power called Songlight, which she has safeguarded her entire life, confiding her secret only in Rye Tern, another individual with Songlight. Their love story unfolds against the backdrop of Elsa's impending arranged marriage and the forbidden nature of their relationship. When Rye is apprehended and taken captive, he valiantly sacrifices himself to shield Elsa, prompting her to confront the oppressive forces within her own community. It becomes evident that the real adversaries are not the outsiders branded as foes, but rather the cunning leaders who exploit and manipulate their followers under the guise of protection.

The novel delves into a world marked by oppression, particularly targeting individuals with Songlight and women. The treatment of women and the pressure to conform to societal ideals stirred a deep sense of indignation and compassion within me. The unquestioning obedience of some women to the deceptive leaders is profoundly disheartening and unsettling, painting a poignant picture of a manipulative society.
#MoiraBuffini #FantasyNovel #EmpoweringCharacters #SocialCritique #Injustice #Resilience #ForbiddenLove #Oppression #PowerStruggles #WomenEmpowerment

Post-apocalyptic, speculative fiction of the highest order : for YA and also older adults

This book, reminding the reader of other outstanding novels for adult readers in the loose, science fantasy, speculative fiction is the first part of what will be a trilogy.

Buffini’s influences, - or, at least, the kind of road she travels along, includes Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. Orwell’s 1984, much of Ursula K Leguin’s writing for adults, and Doris Lessings Canopus in Argos : Archives Series

Like those weighty books, Buffini is looking at explorations of dark and dangerous political roads, or the roads out of them – totalitarianism, democracy and the struggle for it, or to maintain it. The bellicose history of mankind, our propensity for ‘othering’ and outcasting those different from what is perceived as ‘normal’. Toxic masculinity and the subjugation and annihilation of women. The danger in those whose pursuit is only their own power and their own advancement.

All those writers were looking at trends which might be perceived or predicted in their own times. Events in our times were of course strongly in my mind as I read. I thought of the position of women in Iran, in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. I also thought, inevitably of the rise of the far right again, in Europe, in the UK and in America, where unholy alliances are being forged between a toxic narcissist and many in his part and certain media companies such as Fox News. Powerful, wealthy individuals and interests, such as Elon Musk and X, those who deny climate and environmental issues because their wealth is tied up in industries which pollute are in the mix, as is an equally fundamentalist interpretation of Christianity as is the case in those whose interpretation of Islam seeks to control and silence women.

The only marking out of Buffini’s book as ‘Young Adult’ is the fact that the major characters and plot drivers are two young teenage girls, and that there is a stronger and more forward narrative drive and action settings than there is in some of those books which are very much written for older readers

The basic plot outline is – this is set some time probably not too far in the future. Modern technology, modern warfare, and, particularly, fossil fuels have laid waste to large parts of the planet. There is constant warfare or preparation for war between two nations and groups of people. Fake news is also the order of the day. A previous civilisation had developed some kind of telepathic ability. This had been wrongly used by some, to control others.

Now, anyone who has this ability is regarded rather like wise women were regarded at one time – ‘witches’ to be hunted down and destroyed. The two teenage girls in Songlight are both gifted with these powers. They are also empaths, extraordinarily sensitive to the sufferings of others. In their society there are inquisitors who search out such gifted people, designating them as ‘unhuman’, punishing them by barbaric surgery, literally, a form of lobotomy, and worse.

This is a very high quality debut. Despite the excellence of the writing, plot, ideas and characters, my desire to know ‘what happens’ and to turn pages kept getting interrupted – because basically, I almost couldn’t bear to go on, as I was so very invested in several of the characters and the dangers they were in.

The problem now is, this is volume 1 of a trilogy, so at the end of it…..well, we absolutely have a cliff hanger until the second volume comes out.

📖 ARC Review / 🚒 Blog Tour Stop

Set in a post-apocalyptic future, Songlight is an extraordinary debut from renowned screenwriter Moira Buffini. A cinematic masterpiece in storytelling, its the explosive first book in the Torch Trilogy – the hottest release of the decade!

They are hunting those who shine . . .don't be deceived by Northaven's prettiness, by its white-wash houses and sea views. Many of its townsfolk are ruthless hunters. They revile those who have developed songlight, the ability to connect telepathically with others. Friends, neighbours, family will turn on each other in an instant. Lark has lived in grave danger ever since her own songlight emerged. She encounters a young woman in peril, from a city far away. An extraordinary bond is forged. But when power is everything, how will they survive?


Review:
Songlight mesmerises with its vivid imagery and atmospheric world building, combining the hauntingly beautiful with the harsh realities of a warring political landscape. With trauma all around, the emotions of life in Northaven seep out unrelenting from the pages, no matter how much you try to resist the pull.

Moira Buffini is a masterful storyteller, able to wield her pen like a puppet master works a marionette. I was powerless, my hopes raised and dashed countless times as I read. This book and its characters will possess your heart and tear at your very soul.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Faber and Faber, and Moira Buffini for providing an eARC via NetGalley, and for The Write Reads for inviting me to take part in the blog tour. This is my honest review.

I loved this book.

I feel dystopian books are such a staple and should be prioritised in the young adult genre. I found all the characters super interesting and this made the book a joy to read.
I will definitely be continuing with the series

I originally applied for this book because the cover grabbed my attention, the blurb also sounded like something I could dive into and it did not disappoint. This dystopian story was certainly captivating from the get go.

Having to spend your life hiding your true self for fear of what will happen should you be caught in a world full of propaganda.

Those with Songlight which is similar to telepathy are deemed 'unhuman' and are degraded in the most brutal way.

The character development and world building was amazing. The relationship between Kaira and Elsa is so strong you really feel connected to both of them. Together they are going to strive to make the changes needed with the help of others along the way.

There are a lot of secrets to be uncovered and It finished on an absolute cliffhanger and you're caught up in the battle of what is to come! Fighting for freedom and change this story is far from over. I also really need to know what happened to Rye!!

Its The Handmaid's Tale meets Hunger Games, what an amazing debut! Thank you Netgalley for this ARC