Songlight has that quiet, haunting kind of beauty that sticks with you. The world feels eerie and oppressive, with a dystopian edge that makes you root for Elsa from the start. Her telepathic “songlight” ability is both a gift and a danger, and the tension of keeping it hidden kept me hooked.

The romance is soft and slow-burning, which I liked, though I wish we got more depth in some of the relationships. The writing is really atmospheric—almost poetic at times—but the pacing lagged in spots. Still, it delivers on emotion, especially in the final stretch.

If you like introspective, character-driven fantasy with a touch of romance and a lingering sense of melancholy, this one is worth picking up.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

This was an excellent, quick read. The story and characters were engaging, and the world-building was done well without a lot of info dumping. I can tell that Moira has a screenwriting background because this feels like something that should be seen on television. I could clearly visualize most of the settings, and they felt real and attainable. The story is set in a dystopian world, so some imagination is necessary, but overall, the story is very grounded in reality and has beautiful connotations to our political landscape.

The story follows five characters: Elsa, Nightgale, Ren, Piper, and Swan. She has a strong POV for each character, and you can tell who is narrating based on the characterizations. Elsa is one of the main characters who lives in a small fishing village and is destined to be the first or second wife of a returning veteran soldier. Elsa has songlight, a telepathic power to communicate with other telepaths, but it is an aberration in her community. If you are found to have songlight, you are stripped of your name and deemed Unhuman. Elsa encounters Nightingale when she is struggling and they forge an unlikely friendship.

Moira bravely tackles fascism, eugenics, inequality, misogyny, and propaganda and does it well. This is a strong debut novel and I am excited for the series to continue.

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins for a copy of the eARC in exchange for an honest review. The next book Torchfire comes out September 23, 2025!

An enthralling YA dystopian fantasy had thoughtful, heartbreaking and beautiful prose. A multi-POV that tackled many issues and themes, this book was packed with compelling narratives. It was a decent read.

Thank you HarperCollins, Netgalley and the author for a complimentary copy of this ebook. I am leaving a voluntary review. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own.

In this dystopian YA fantasy, the author has given us something akin to Atwood's Hanmaid's Tale. It was brutal, interesting, and scary given what is happening in our world right now. There was a beautiful magical system that we would quite possibly call by another name (telepathy), but given its own twist. I found the authors writing to be imaginative and easy to read.

In a war-torn dystopian world, women are oppressed while boys are trained to rule. Lark and Nightingale possess a dangerous telepathic ability called Songlight, which they must hide to survive. As they navigate a harsh society, the novel explores themes of control, oppression, and resistance, with a strong focus on survival and self-discovery.

Narrative and Style: Moira Buffini’s fast-paced storytelling keeps readers engaged, though the multiple POVs (5 total) occasionally disrupt the emotional flow. While some perspectives add depth, others feel unnecessary. The world-building is intriguing but could be expanded, particularly around political and social structures.

Themes: The novel tackles gender subjugation, forced conformity, and resistance. Though the social dynamics feel a bit simplified, the story’s messages about defiance and unity resonate. The bond between Lark and Nightingale is central and adds emotional weight, reminding readers of Orwell’s 1984 in its portrayal of oppressive control.

Character Development: Lark and Nightingale are the heart of the story, and their telepathic connection is a powerful aspect. However, some supporting characters feel underdeveloped, especially as the narrative shifts focus. While the multiple POVs help build the world, they sometimes hinder emotional investment.

Final Thoughts: Songlight is a strong start to a promising series. The compelling premise, emotional themes, and engaging world-building make it a must-read for fans of dystopian YA fiction. Though there’s room for refinement, this series has great potential.

Songlight was a fantasy story that took me for a ride and I just did the only thing I could do: I held on for dear life. This multi POV fantasy was like if the Seanchan society from the Wheel of Time series got their own story: people who can wield magic are enslaved, treated as not human, tortured, and used to find and enslave other magic wielders. Then there is the blatant sexism and objectification of women who are only seen as good for marriage and having children in this society; This was so hard to read and I felt Lark’s disgust for the traditions down to my bones. I really enjoyed the magic system, the world building, the interpersonal relationships, and how all the characters overlap. At no point while reading did I have any idea what would happen next. I genuinely cannot wait to see what happens in the next two books in the trilogy.

Title: Songlight by Moira Buffini
Genre: YA Sci-Fi/Dystopian
Pub Date: September 3, 2024
📖 384 pages

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🥀 Hunger Games x The Handmaid's Tale
✨️ Star-Crossed Lovers
🥀 Multiple POV
✨️ Dystopian Vibes
🥀 Arranged Marriage
✨️ Hidden Powers
🥀 Telepathy
✨️ Warfare

Songlight by Moira Buffini was an incredible read! In this lush dystopian fantasy, we follow two girls from very different lives but who share the same gift, Songlight.

This book has everything from a sisterhood built across an ocean, the trials and tribulations of star-crossed lovers, to heart-wrenching twists and endless emotional turmoil. This book made me cry (happy, sad, and angry) all the tears. 5/5, no notes.

I need book 2, ASAP. October 2025 can't come soon enough 🫶

Thank you so much, NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishing, for the digital review copy!

Great start to a new dystopian series based around song light, melodies and harmony. We would call it telepathy. There were enough unique pieces of the story to differentiate it from all the cookie cutter fantasies. Some romance - appropriate for 15 and up due to mature themes, especially around their marriage practices.

Quite a few surprises by the end - I will definitely continue reading the series. Many thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review!

In reading this book I did find myself struggling a little. I will start with the positive first. The premise feels so unique - like nothing I have read before. Using song or song light as a way to exclude people from being human was such an interesting concept. I love dystopian type stories and again this was a unique take on the genre. I thought that the descriptions and world building were beautifully done - you felt like you were there. But on the con side - it could be a bit hard to follow at times. And I just didn't find myself caring about the characters. I think that if a reader can resonate with the characters a bit more this would be the perfect book for them. Sadly, though I don't think that I am the target reader here.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Unfortunately this book just didn’t resonate with me. I couldn’t really connect with the characters and found myself not really caring what happened. I think this book just wasn’t for me and in the hands of the right audience it will be great!

This concept didn't work for me unfortunately. The narrative and writing style was trying too hard for me and I didn't connect at all.

Moira Buffini writes an engaging story that keeps you hooked from start to finish. I was captivated by the beautiful description of the world the characters are situated in. It's clear to see that thoughtful planning and creativity was poured into this fictional world. The characters are so well written and complex, the locations so perfectly described. I enjoyed reading this throughout. I only regret reading it because now I have to wait for the next two books. Book 2 releases September 2025, how will I ever survive. If you're a fan of fantasy or you'd like to jump into the world of fantasy, then Songlight is the perfect book for you.

I ended up DNFing Songlight by Moira Buffini because the writing style felt a bit young for my current tastes. I think it would be a great fit for readers who enjoy a lighter, more youthful tone, but it just didn’t quite capture what I was looking for right now.

Songlight by Moira Buffini
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Elsa and Rye are secretly in love. They also have Songlight in common, which they have to keep hidden because those who have the gift of Songlight are abhorred. But when they are betrayed it sets them on a course of change and heartache.
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What I liked:
-What a start to a trilogy! This story sucked me in: a young couple in love, they have to keep parts of themselves secret, and yet they are torn apart by someone who claims to love them both.
-I loved the character Nightingale. Her part of the story was so sad and I was on pins and needles for pretty much all of her chapters.
-I loved how this part of the story wrapped up, it was so much action and suspense!
-I was super excited to meet the “enemies” in this war. I loved them. I want more.
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4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This was a fantastic start and I’m very excited to see where this series goes from here.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Songlight was heavy but incredibly engaging. The world is bleak and rife with rapid persecution and dehumanization. It is both archaic and familiar to today's challenges. I really enjoyed the fast pace and various points of view that give a bigger picture of the impact of the political landscape, war and brewing challenges for this society.

I loved all the characters, the relationships they built and how they were all connected. What an incredible debut novel and I am excited to read what is next.

It is labeled as YA but I do think that themes are on the mature side of that genre. Dystopian fans and YA readers, check this beauty out!

A voice out of nowhere lights up the world and two young girls connect across the world. They have to hide because they are considered “unhuman”, but by standing together they may just survive what’s coming.

I freaking love this story even though it has a lot of characters. The overwhelming bonds of friendship is what drives this story. New friendships that shouldn’t form so quickly, but when faced with the unthinkable bonds can form quickly. I love the friendship between Elsa and Nightingale.

Then there is the secondary cast which is huge and diverse. I don’t want to give anything away, but Songlight is action-packed and filled with trauma, love, friendship, and honor. Moira Buffini layers all of the different complexities of war trauma, slavery, and misogyny and makes it palatable. I am in awe of the fantastic world that Buffini built and the different foundations that each central player has.

I wasn’t expecting it to be a trilogy (you know me, I didn’t read the blurb (chuckle)). There is a cliffhanger, but damn it just makes you want more.

P.S. I’ll also be able to share more about the book without giving spoilers (chuckle).

Dystopian novel set in a world where a minority of people who can communicate telepathically are oppressed (lobotomized and enslaved--these people are harsh!) by those who can't. I enjoyed the story and the characters: some good, some evil, some not bad but too caught up in the propaganda society has forced on them. Would make a great movie!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e-ARC of this book.

This is a strange, if compelling story, set in a dystopian time and place, a story that covers a lot of territory. A story of those who feel the need to force their opinions on others, and shun those who don’t, or worse. Where women are subjugated, and boys are trained to rule in a time of war. A story where what is different is seen as unhuman and when discovered are stripped of that which makes them unique. A very futuristic story where we still shun those who are different, treat woman as token pieces to be given away and where we battle agaisnt those who embrace different beliefs.

An Unforgettable Read!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book completely blew me away. The world is harsh and unforgiving, but the beautiful writing pulls you right in. Elsa, Rye, and Nightingale are the kind of characters that stick with you long after you’ve finished reading—they’re flawed, real, and their relationships are so raw and powerful.

The story is packed with twists, high stakes, and just the right amount of heartbreak. The forbidden songlight magic feels so unique and ties everything together beautifully, especially with the political tensions and the fight for survival.

If you love gripping stories with strong friendships, star-crossed love, and a touch of rebellion, this one’s for you. Fans of *Sabaa Tahir* and *Adrienne Young* will eat this up. I’m already counting down the days for the sequel!