Again, I have mixed feelings here. My biggest complaint for the first book was pacing, and sadly that did not change here. Especially with the length of the book. Several times the story dragged and I had to force myself through. However, the plot was EXCELLENT. So that is were it is tough. The story is so dang good, when it was flowing and moving I couldn't put it down.

I loved the first book and the second did not disappoint. I discovered this author a while back and have been devouring any book I can find. She will be an auto buy for me!

I did not get to finish this book in the allotted time as I did not realize it was book 2 and wanted to read book 1 first. Total mistake on my end and i still want to read it.

I was provided an audio ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

This installment follows Farrin, who if you have read book 1 you will remember as the oldest of the Ashborne sisters. The first book followed Gemma, and if the trilogy follows this trend I expect the next book to follow Mara, the third sister. That being said I don't feel like you can really read this as a stand alone, you really need to read the first book in the series, as it sets up events in this book and introduces you to many of the characters.

This was hard for me to get through as the main character was very hard for me to connect with. She was so angry all of the time. The audiobook is just shy of 23 hours, so you really need someone you can root for. I felt like she never wanted to solve the problems and only wanted to whine and wallow in her own issues and block everyone from moving forward. She never actually had any suggestions to move the plot forward and always acted emotionally, admitting that she let her emotions get the best of her in every situation. That being said this is very romance heavy and I found that the romance between Farrin and Ryder lacked chemistry. She is always so mean and distrusting of him that I found it hard to believe their attraction and affection.

I liked the plot and the setting, but the length of the book and the lack of connection with the characters really had me putting this book down more often than I wanted to pick it up. I really enjoyed the fantasy elements when we get them, the creatures and lore are really unique in this series. Much like the first book this is more character driven and there are long periods where the characters are interacting or having inner monologues and the plot isn't advancing. Then there are periods of fast paced action where alot happens all at once and you learn quite a bit of information. I'm interested to see how the series concludes as I actually enjoy the plot, and if Mara is the focus I think she will make and interested main character.

Loved the audio. This was a perfect second book to the first and the audio was even better. From the beginning it was enchanting and whimsical but there was also a strong emoted response from the narration. The audiobook truly brought this story to life.

I'm really having a great time with this series.
On the one hand I love the idea of the books, the world and the magic system are potentially such a good idea but I just can't stand the fmc's. In book 1 Gemma grew in me but I did not like Farrin at all. There was not 1 page where I sympathized with her. She was irrationally angry and the back story did not add any insight as to why she was the way she was. It alluded to some things but it never felt like it was enough to have shadows her into the person she was.
Ryder on the other hand is wonderful. He is kind and patient. He had a terrible childhood and it shaped him into a better person then the world deserved.
The action at the end of the l this was exciting and the reveal was unexpected.
I will read the last one because I wasn't to see how it all ends.
The narrators voice suited Farrin.

Review of A Song of Ash and Moonlight (Audiobook)

As a follow-up to the first book, A Song of Ash and Moonlight brings readers back into a complex world of family feuds, magical intrigue, and slow-burning romance. However, while I was eager to continue the journey, this installment left me with mixed feelings.

Farrin, the protagonist, unfortunately felt like a tired trope of the bitter, overburdened heroine hiding a softer side. Instead of endearing me, her constant anger and abrasive attitude made her hard to root for. A particularly frustrating moment late in the book sealed my dislike for her, leaving little room for redemption in my eyes.

On the other hand, Ryder, though a typical brooding love interest, was more palatable, if not overly original. The romance between them provided a few steamy scenes that were enjoyable, even if I struggled to connect with Farrin as a character.

Another point of frustration was the overly complex world-building. While Romantasy can thrive on immersive settings, the narrative often felt disjointed, with convoluted elements that detracted from the flow of the story. It seemed to be reaching for high fantasy intricacy but ended up over-complicating things.

That said, I appreciated the growth of Gemma, who continues to evolve into a more interesting and dynamic character. She provided a refreshing contrast to Farrin’s frustrating demeanor.

Overall, A Song of Ash and Moonlight has its moments, but it left me hoping for more clarity in the world-building and a more likable heroine in future installments. Thank you to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for the advanced listener copy.

the step up from book 1 to book 2 is outstanding. the pace, the romance, the magic, the plot twists?! ASOAAM had everything that i felt ACOIAG was missing. first of all, i am in love with ryder bask. that man was written by a woman and i love to see it. he is so kind and compassionate and soft despite his scars and his tough exterior. and farrin? that’s MY GAL! she had her moments that annoyed me but for the most part she is a fierce warrior who rides for her people. kilraith’s continuing role as primary antagonist is very interesting and mhorgast was such a creative demonic world. i expected that this book was going to be very good and im so happy with the outcome. excited for book 3!

additionally, i loved the narration for the audiobook. the attention to accents and regional divide was fantastic and i felt very immersed in the story. 10/10!

Thank you so much for this ALC opportunity, I had just listened to this first book so this was amazing timing. I really enjoyed both books. This one I think I liked a little better. Second books can be iffy and have a lot of filler but this was a great balance! Very enjoyable read

This is the second book in the Middlemist series, a fact that I somehow overlooked before becoming invested in the audio. This is not uncommon for me, and I actually think it is actually a good sign when you don't need to read book one to become absorbed in the story.

Farryn (spelling?) is not the most trusting main character and spends a good deal of energy fighting against those close to her because she can't imagine that they would really have good intentions. Ryder (spelling?), is an unlikely pairing for her in many ways since he is from the Bask family. There is bad blood between the two, but what unfolds in this installment is proof that the past isn't everything.

I felt the romance aspect of this book worked really well, but I do feel that I needed just a little more history about Evain (spelling) the middlemist, and the forces at play. But if you read the first book, I think you'll really like this one too.

Thanks to netgalley for the advanced listening copy.

#netgalley
#songofashandmoonlight

This is a really good addition to the Middlemist series. The switch in POV from Gemma to Farrin was a good choice, Farrin went through a lot of growth and challenges and came through beautifully.
The characters were interesting because we see a family dealing with a lot of trauma from a feud that caused a lot of personal hurt. Seeing different characters handle their anger and resentment was enlightening and important for readers to see. The romance was spicy and not overdone.
The worldbuilding was a bit of a challenge for me. We have a world that is changing, and I didn't see the significance of some of the changes, it may be more prevalent in the next book, but this one had a lot of things going on that felt a little overwhelming and confusing.

For all the girls who feel inadequate and unworthy in everything they do Farren was written for you.

3.5/5

I found myself struggling to connect with the main character for a while until we started to learn more about her. It took me till about the 35% of the way through to feel more into the story. It's slow at points and seems like it could be shorter but where it picks up it's great! I love Ryder!! He's the perfect MMC for our FMC.

Also I have to say
This must be what it's like to have a bard for a main character 😂 I wish we would have gotten more words for the songs she sings rather than just the type of song. But it May have gotten tiresome.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)

*Song of Ash and Moonlight* by Claire Legrand is a captivating blend of magic, tension, and deep emotion. The characters of Farrin and Ryder are brilliantly crafted, each carrying their own burdens and struggles, making their dynamic both intense and satisfying. Evelyn Rose delivers a compelling performance, bringing Farrin’s inner turmoil and strength to life beautifully.

While I loved the story, I couldn’t help but feel that a dual narration would have elevated it even further. Ryder’s character, with all his mystery and complexity, deserved his own voice to match Farrin’s. Despite this, the tale kept me hooked with its rich world-building and the ever-present tension of waking gods and dangerous magic. Highly recommend!

This follows Farrin, Imogen’s oldest sister, who has always watched out for the family before herself. Always. And now, she has to ally herself with her family’s enemy, Ryder, to find out who is hunting the waking gods.

I love that we get to learn more about another sister. I enjoyed this one a lot more than the first one! I think it’s because I relate more to Farrin than I did to Imogen. Farrin’s insecurities are similar to mine and so I totally got her and understood how she felt about herself, especially around Ryder.

I think the romance in this one is so much more emotionally charged and more of a slow burn with that underlying angst between these two enemies. It was wonderful to read and 🔥 when they came together.

This again had darker vibes like the first one, which makes for an interesting take on a Bridgerton style world, but filled with dark magic and monsters. I love the unique take on that world.

Again I would definitely recommend this series! I look forward to the next one!

Audience: Adult
Plot: 4.75 out of 5
Characters: 4.5 out of 5
Spice: 🌶️ out of 5
Keywords: Fantasy, Romance, Magic, Other Worlds, Music, Slow burn, Enemies to lovers
Tea Pairing: Highlands Breakfast Black Tea by Plum Deluxe – this tea would be perfect for Ryder, as the audiobook narrator gave Ryder a slight Scottish accent. 🙂

I received a copy of this audiobook through NetGalley from Dreamscape Media. Thank you! All opinions are my own.

A Song of Ash and Moonlight is the second book in the Middlemist trilogy, and it picks up shortly after the events of the first. Kilraith was defeated at Talan’s house, but not destroyed — the battle continues. This story is narrated by Farrin, who is the eldest Ashborne sister, and she, her sisters, and the Basks are asked by Queen Yvaine to find out what’s been happening to the Middlemist.

I have to admit that I enjoyed this story more than the first – the first was good, don’t get me wrong – but this one was wow! From page 1 to 592 (hardcover edition), this was a slow-burn, enemies to lovers, he falls first love story. What I enjoyed most was that Farrin was so vulnerable, despite her hard, angry exterior. In reality, she had to harden her heart due to a lot of childhood trauma. It was such a powerful process to watch her transform from that “angry girl” to a strong woman, capable of phenomenal things. In a lot of ways, she reminded me of Nesta from ACOTAR.

There were a lot of revelations in this book – especially some surprising ones. Readers learn a lot about Kilraith’s backstory which was very interesting, and gives some depth to his character arc. There are some additional revelations, but those are some major plot points, so I won’t be sharing those here. But suffice it to say, I was blown away! And I can’t wait for the third book.

I had listened to the audiobook narration of this book – it’s a long one – close to 23 hours. The chapter / tracks average around 45-60 minutes each. The narrator Evelyn Rose is a very good narrator (she also narrated the first book, and I hope she will narrate the third). I’ve always said that audiobook narrators can make or break a book – and she definitely makes the book. She reads with expression, alters her voice for different characters, and even gives Ryder a slightly Scottish accent (which I personally loved). Very well done!

The Middlemist trilogy is a fantasy series, with Regency vibes and social customs, but it has a very unique magic system. I would recommend this book, and the series, to anyone who may enjoy the Romantasy genre.

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. I love this series and the second normally doesn't out do the first but it did with this one. Claire is just always an auto read author for me.

I honestly think I liked this sequel just a liiiiiittle bit more than the first one! I was super excited for it once I knew it was going to be about Farren and Ryder and I loved them! Their enemies to friends to lovers was one of my favorites! I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series! Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for my audio ARC!!

Claire Legrand delivered everything I could have wished for in the second installment of The Middlemist Trilogy. This is Fantasy (with Romance) at its best.

The intricate nature of the plot and the world building built so well from A Crown of Ivy and Glass, balancing telling Farrin's story and setting up the stakes for the final conclusion.

The Romance between Farrin and Ryder was so beautifully handled. As was the delicate and thoughtful way in which Farrin's journey was written, with her anxieties and issues with self perception.

The audiobook narrator, Evelyn Rose, was the perfect choice. Her ability to give clear, distinctive voices to all the cast (including excellent male voices) was immersive.

One very small lapse, for me, was some of the pacing in the last section. But perhaps that was just my impatience to see all the threads come together. Overall, I enjoyed A Song of Ash and Moonlight very much.

Many thanks to Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC of A Song of Ash and Moonlight.

This was the 2nd book in Claire Legrand's Middlemist trilogy. I actually felt this book, which is told by Farrin, the eldest Ashbourne daughter is much more action packed and flowed a bit better. There is a rivalry between two families, however, Farrin starts to fall for the son of the rival family, and they work together because there are occurrences that are happening throughout the land that they don't understand. I cannot wait until the third book to figure out how this ends!