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!

The writing is phenomenal but wasn’t for me. I would recommend this book to others as I hope it has great success. The story plot is very straightforward and easy to follow which I did love.

Actual Rating 2.5

This dystopian fantasy read is a relatively strong start to what is going to be a trilogy. I liked the idea of songlight and how it’s a telepathic magic. The author also did a good job at including themes of manipulation, propaganda, and prejudice that can easily take over societies. There were also some interesting aspects of the worldbuilding that were incorporated but weren’t give much of a focus.

One thing I didn’t realize going in was how heavily this book would focus on the “women are only meant for babies and sex” theme. It’s not a theme I prefer in my reads as it’s been done a lot, and I rarely find that new books add anything new or insightful to the topic. The other thing is that the characters weren’t that strongly written. There were five POVs, and they all lacked any real depth or emotional oomph that could have made them compelling. It was the same with many of the heavier themes included (especially homophobia and misogyny). They were emphasized so heavily throughout the book, but never in a way that was constructive or interesting or added to the discussion on the themes.

If you’re looking for a dystopian fantasy with many POVs and an interesting magic, you may enjoy this one. Unfortunately, it just didn’t feel very original or memorable overall for me, though the cover is quite lovely. My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Moira Buffini’s Songlight is a lyrical and imaginative novel that pulls readers into a world where music, magic, and mystery converge. Buffini’s prose is beautifully crafted, creating an atmosphere that feels both haunting and hopeful as it follows the protagonist's journey to uncover secrets and face hidden fears. The musical themes are woven thoughtfully into the narrative, adding a unique layer of depth to the story and making it feel almost like a song itself.

The characters are well-drawn and relatable, particularly the main character, whose inner conflicts and growth drive much of the story’s emotional impact. Buffini balances lighter, whimsical moments with darker, introspective themes, creating a tone that resonates and keeps readers engaged.

Although some parts of the plot feel predictable, the overall experience is captivating, with a satisfying mix of suspense and beauty. Songlight is a lovely read for fans of magical realism and those who enjoy stories about the power of music and self-discovery.

A charming and thought-provoking tale, Songlight is a novel that shines in its quiet elegance.

*Huge thanks to HarperCollins CA for a physical ARC of this book. I offer this review willingly and without any compensation whatsoever.*

This review contains MILD SPOILERS.


This book caught my eye because of the title which I find beautiful and positive, as well as the stunning cover. But what really decided me to give it a read was the strong female friendship promoted! I’m always on the lookout for more female friendships that are great, positive, and not toxic or mean. So, I had to request it, and I’m so thrilled HarperCollins Canada granted me a copy!! It was one of my most anticipated reads of the YEAR, and it did not disappoint.

Care to know why?

Come with me for an excursion into Songlight’s world and my love for it.


The Positive Points
I HAVE to start with what surprised me positively when I started reading this book. It clearly mentions a girl’s menstruation and I couldn’t be happier for this! Oftentimes, the YA genre overlooks this simple fact, like it’s taboo or bad when it’s only natural. However, I love when it gets acknowledged, because most of us readers and writers agree that literature should speak the truth… Well, menstruation is a girl’s truth, specially taking into account we start our periods as young teens. I always find it ridiculous and unbelievable when the girls are NEVER on their periods, and can go fight or go out on quests like there’s no worries about that… I’m sorry, are you a teenage girl or a cardboard character made to fit the plot? Yeah, that’s what I thought. So, thank YOU, Miss Buffini, for writing a teenager’s menstruation into your book. It pleased me, as it needs to be more talked about if we’re to reflect reality in truthful ways in our literature. Thus, teenage girls can see themselves and their reality in the books they read.

Now, on another topic, I must admit this book ALWAYS has action. There’s always something happening. The characters are complex, determined, and all intriguing in their own way. I never figured out if I sensed them in the room with me while reading or if I felt transported next to them. Either way, that’s some powerful character creation right there.

Moreover, I love that there are many points of view. We can explore more of this dystopian world as well as grasp diverse perspectives.

While I do love both Nightingale and Lark, I am rather fond of Lark (Elsa Crane) for her boldness, her caring, and her strength of character. I really like Heron Mikane as well. They have a similar way of caring about people and situations. They’re also very interesting and complex, multi-layered. However, Nightingale is as sweet as a dove. In my mind, that’s how I picture her. I nicknamed her “Dove”. :)

And I have a suggestion for renaming this book! How about The tale of twists? Because honestly, I’ve never read a story with so many twists that twist into subtwists and so on. It’s wonderful and mind-blowing! It’s like each and every twist is twistin’, and I love it!

Plus, when you think the characters’ situations can’t get any worse, it DOES! It’s incredible, wow. I had a few doubts sometimes but I didn’t think the author would dare take it into those directions… yet she did! This a book that just keeps on giving you twists and situations, as well as a few, heartfelt and hopeful moments. Miss Buffini doesn’t shy away from any difficult situations or decisions; she tackles heartbreak, betrayal, feels, pitting family and friends against each other, good and society against evil and selfishness… It’s all so beautiful and wow, the feels I had! I’m thoroughly impressed!

Honestly, this book is a thrilling read! It’s been a very long time since I haven’t read a book as thrilling and entertaining as this. I love the books I read, but while they’re thrilling at certain moments, Songlight is thrilling on every page! Such a feat, wow. Like, I. could. NOT. put. it. down! Impressive!

Lastly, I never thought I’d feel for this character, Piper Crane, but I did at some point. I hate him generally because he betrayed someone important to him and his views are very narrow and limited… However, he hasn’t it easy either. It’s actually quite terrible, because he’s gay in a terribly brutal society that treats gays as less than sh!t and he believes deeply he’s unnatural… Poor Piper is a typical example of what it’s like being brainwashed and afraid to be gay because of society. He wants to prove himself, to be important, and everything. But where he lives, being gay means the exact contrary… So, I have compassion for him and I think that’s a feat, because like I mentioned, his betrayal marked him irredeemable to me, as well as his bootlicking behaviour (although I can see why, he’s been brainwashed and he wants to fit in but he’s really blind and deaf to everyone who loves him, urgh). Yet, I feel strong emotions and sadness for him. Well done, Miss Buffini!


The Negative Points
There are many point of views, but they follow no order whatsoever, which is really confusing. For example, the first character has three chapters, after which the second character has one chapter, and then it’s one we didn’t know before that has two chapters, then it’s back to the second one, and right after the author introduces us to a fourth character, then it comes back to the first point of view…

It’s slightly annoying and very confusing, which diminishes a bit the reading experience. I love that it has many point of views, but the lack of order to them mind boggled me a lot of times.


In Conclusion
Songlight is a marvelous, thrilling and feelsy read! I recommend it whole-heartedly to lovers of dystopian books, of female friendships, LGBTQ+ readers, and those who crave feels and thrills and drama in their books like I do. I will genuinely read the two other books in the trilogy; it’s now high on my dystopian book list. For all these reasons, despite the point of views that are a bit messy and confusing due to their order, and for all the sheer fun and thrill I had reading this book, I give Songlight a bright rating of 5 stars out of 5. I hope this will be a big sensation, because I feel like it deserves to be!

'Songlight' is a beautifully crafted tale that blends the magic of music with the depth of human connection. Moira Buffini's writing is poetic and engaging, drawing readers into a world where songs hold secrets and emotions run deep. The characters are richly developed, each with their own struggles and dreams that feel genuine and relatable. The pacing is just right, balancing moments of tension with heartwarming scenes that stay with you long after the last page. A great pick if you're looking for something that hits all the right emotional notes.

In a male dominated society, a girl with telepathic abilities of sing falls for another girl in a tale of forbidden love, oppression and tender yearning.

This book was an interesting read, the world felt very plausible and realistic. Elsa's pov was strong enough to tie the book together but I didn't always want to read everyone else's.

An absolutely phenomenal fantasy story of the fear of anything you can't understand, the difference between fighting for freedom instead of victory, and how the traumas you're subjected to change you (but there are still choices, it just sometimes makes them feel hidden). With multiple POVs with just as many morals, there is something in it for everyone! One of the only books I've read with the power to read or share thoughts where that hasn't sounded like a horrible power to have. And of course, I cannot forget the power of women in Songlight (and in real life too!)

Side note: I really need to remember to check if books are standalone or series, as I keep nearing the end and wondering how the author could possibly wrap this up in so few pages. Spoiler alert: They don't. There's a book two or more.

Songlight swept me away with Buffini's beautiful prose and world-building! Set in a post-apocalyptic future, Buffini hooks you from the very first pages. The story dives into the world of Northaven, a seemingly peaceful place that hides a darker intolerance for those who are different. Lark and Nightingale, my favorite characters, have a telepathic connection that allows them to communicate across vast distances, adding depth to the plot. I can’t wait for the next books!

I absolutely loved this from start to finish. The differing points of view were great and didn't feel like too many. Spaced enough to be able to keep track just fine. Very future dystopian but you can see where one civilization backpeddled where another embraced differences. I know who I'm rooting for.

My only complaint was how much slower the first half of the book was compared to the last half. I actually stopped reading to find out of this was a solo book, duology, trilogy or series because of the pacing difference. Looking forward to the next chapter in this trilogy for sure.

Ugh, why didn't anyone tell me this was the start of a new trilogy.
Book 2 isn't even written yet.
I am dying.
This was fabulous!
Beautiful writing, gorgeous world building, found family and detailed (without being boring) political development.
I am both excited and disappointed that this is only the start.
I hate waiting.
Much love to NetGalley & HarperCollins Children's Books for my ARC!

Moira Buffini’s SONGLIGHT is gorgeously written and unlike anything I’ve ever read before. It grips you and doesn’t let you go.

I want to start off by saying I am so sorry to the publishers for taking so long to review this book, life has been rough lately. I am also sorry to myself for waiting so long to read this because it's really good! Multiple-POVs were a little overwhelming at first, but once I was immersed in it, it was engrossing. In this book, the author tackles telepathy and a dystopian society in a very interesting way. I see so much promise in this series; this book is a very solid debut and a good start.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishing for giving me this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately, I DNFed this book at 22%. There were a few different reasons for this, but it comes down to the writing style and the themes supporting the world-building.

In the author’s note, it’s acknowledged that this novel explores various degrees of misogyny, inequality, fascism, eugenics, and destruction of the planet. Despite being braced with that when going into the novel, I was not expecting for the incredible discomfort those themes wrought. I would like to put out the disclaimer that I do think it’s important to see stories on the market involving these themes. However, these themes do need to be handled with a level of care and I’m not sure that this book accomplished this. But I did only read a quarter of it before giving up, so the author could have challenged these themes further on.

When it comes to young adult novels, I expect a level of lyricism to the writing style. This novel, in most cases, did not have that lyricism I was expecting. The main character, Elsa’s perspective was especially choppy and the sentences did not flow together, due to the lack of sentence length variation. This was likely a stylistic choice to reflect Elsa’s inability to read or write, but it did make it more difficult for this reader to sink into the prose.

There were multiple perspectives in this novel, which did make it a little difficult to bond with each perspective character. That was due to the imbalance in perspectives. Elsa was the alpha main character, so her perspective was the most prevalent in the story. However, the other characters would pop in sporadically and with brief chapters, which did not allow much characterization or provide a reader with the chance to connect to these characters.

I also argue that Elsa had an issue with agency. Of the 22% that I read, there was a repetitive notion of Elsa wanting to escape her town and escape her fate. But she never took active steps to escape once Rye, her love interest, was captured. She remained stagnant, even when faced with a new songlight bond with a girl from a distant city.

In the end, this young adult novel wasn’t for me. I do think it would have been better served as an adult science fiction novel, with older characters and more space for the themes to be explored.

TW: misogyny, inequality, fascism, eugenics, and destruction of the planet

Thank you to HarperCollins Children's Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.