The first in an fantasy duology inspired by West African folklore in which a grieving crown princess and a desperate refugee find themselves on a collision course to murder each other despite their growing attraction.

For Malik, the Solstasia festival is a chance to escape his war-stricken home and start a new life with his sisters in the prosperous desert city of Ziran. But when a vengeful spirit abducts Malik’s younger sister, Nadia, as payment into the city, Malik strikes a fatal deal—kill Karina, Crown Princess of Ziran, for Nadia’s freedom.

But Karina has deadly aspirations of her own. Her mother, the Sultana, has been assassinated; her court threatens mutiny; and Solstasia looms like a knife over her neck. Grief-stricken, Karina decides to resurrect her mother through ancient magic . . . requiring the beating heart of a king. And she knows just how to obtain one: by offering her hand in marriage to the victor of the Solstasia competition.

When Malik rigs his way into the contest, they are set on a course to destroy each other. But as attraction flares between them and ancient evils stir, will they be able to see their tasks to the death?

my thoughts:

A Captivating Debut: Why “A Song of Wraiths and Ruin” is a Must-Read

Where does one even begin to review a book as unexpectedly brilliant as this? Roseanne A. Brown’s debut novel, A Song of Wraiths and Ruin, took me by complete surprise, proving to be the hidden gem I never knew I was searching for.

This novel masterfully subverts classic fantasy tropes. In a refreshing twist—at least in my reading experience—it is the male character, Malik, who is plunged into a foreign and opulent world, fighting not for a crown, but for his family’s survival. Thrust from his humble life into one of sudden riches and deadly politics, Malik faces an impossible choice: to save his sister, he must assassinate the Crown Princess of Ziran. His journey forces him to confront his own suppressed magical abilities, his deepest vulnerabilities, and the inconvenient, growing affection for the very girl he is destined to kill. Malik’s internal and external struggles are palpable, keeping me on the edge of my seat, desperately hoping for a twist of fate that could grant him peace.

Yet, Malik is not the only compelling character. Princess Karina’s life, though cradled in palace luxury, is far from easy. Scarred by the traumatic loss of her father and older sister, and now reeling from her mother’s sudden death, she is left utterly alone to bear the weight of a kingdom. Initially, Karina’s bold and sometimes abrasive personality can be challenging, but she quickly earns the reader’s respect. She is a beautifully flawed character—young, occasionally reckless, yet undeniably brave and kindhearted. The immense pressure and grief she endures forge her into the resilient leader she is meant to become.

“If Ziran fell, her only regret would be that she could not be the storm that tore it apart.”

Admittedly, the pacing of A Song of Wraiths and Ruin is relentless, with the entire epic narrative unfolding over a single week. While this condensed timeline is ambitious for a fantasy world, Brown executes it with remarkable skill. Although I felt the romantic development was slightly rushed as a result, the breakneck speed ensures there is virtually no downtime. I found myself reading late into the night, constantly gripped by the next twist or challenge.

The foundation of this world, built upon West African folklore, is nothing short of phenomenal. As someone new to these traditions, I was utterly captivated and terrified in equal measure by the intricate pantheon of gods and mythical creatures, and it has certainly inspired me to seek out more stories rooted in this rich cultural heritage.

Furthermore, Brown deftly weaves critical commentary on issues like racism, police brutality, and class inequality into the fabric of her fantasy realm. These themes resonate powerfully with contemporary realities, making the story both timeless and timely. She handles these complex topics with nuance, making them accessible and thought-provoking for her young adult audience.

“He was the kind of person who could be arrested at any time for any reason, who could do everything the soldiers told him to do and still leave the encounter harmed.”

Overall, A Song of Wraiths and Ruin has skyrocketed to the top of my recommendation list. It stands as one of the best fantasy novels I’ve encountered in recent memory, and frankly, one of the best books, period. I am now eagerly awaiting the sequel, desperate to discover the fate of these characters I grew to love so quickly.

“The past devours those naive enough to forget it.”

What Others Are Saying:

Mage Menagerie: “The cultural immersion–everything from the food and religion to politics and games–was well established as an intricate part of this roller coaster tale.”

Moonlight Rendezvous: “This story was just so fascinating and I loved the magical world that Ms. Brown created.”